Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day set for Sept. 3

DENVER — The Daniels Fund and Project Play Colorado will host the second annual Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day on Sept. 3 to raise money for youth sports programs across the state.

The campaign will run through Sept. 17 with a goal of breaking down financial barriers and expanding access to organized sports for children. Donations will be accepted through the Colorado Gives platform at www.youthsportsgivingday.org.

Last year’s inaugural event raised $3.7 million for 175 nonprofits serving youth 18 and younger. Funds supported uniforms, equipment, new facilities, and program expansion.

“This is not just about the game,” said Hanna Skandera, president and CEO of the Daniels Fund. “It is about building grit, confidence, and character. Youth Sports Giving Day fuels opportunities for kids to learn teamwork, bounce back from setbacks, and grow into strong leaders on and off the field.”

This year’s effort features a $1.5 million matching fund supported by sponsors. The first $1 million in donations will be matched dollar for dollar, with the remainder awarded based on fundraising totals of participating organizations.

Organizers said the event is intended to reduce disparities in access to sports. According to Project Play Colorado, 72 percent of children from higher-income households participate in sports, compared to 38 percent from families living near the federal poverty level.

“Too many kids still face barriers, especially those from low-income families and communities of color,” said Tom Farrey, executive director of the Aspen Institute’s Sports & Society Program. “Our goal is to make Colorado a leader in equitable youth sports access.”

The campaign will include community events. On Sept. 3, members of youth sports groups will help kick off the fundraiser at Coors Field during the Colorado Rockies home game, with $5 from each ticket added to the match fund. The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum in Colorado Springs will also participate by offering free admission Sept. 6, with opportunities for families to meet Team USA athletes and connect with local youth sports organizations.

Sponsors include Alpine Bank, The Anschutz Foundation, Bank of Colorado, Boettcher Foundation, El Pomar Foundation, Gary Community Ventures, Colorado Rockies, Google, Rose Community Foundation, Strohm Link Family Foundation, Telluray Foundation, UCHealth, The Weld Trust, Wold Foundation and Mike and Nancy Zoellner.

–