Empowering Youth Sports: Colorado's Landmark Giving Day

In a remarkable display of community support, the inaugural Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day is poised to make a profound impact on the state's youth sports organizations. This collaborative effort, spearheaded by the Daniels Fund and Aspen Institute Project Play, aims to channel over $1 million in donations to participating nonprofits, enabling them to expand their reach and provide more children with the opportunity to engage in their favorite sports.

Investing in the Future of Colorado's Youth

Steamboat Soccer Club: A Legacy of Inclusivity

Since its inception in 1984, the Steamboat Soccer Club has been a beacon of unity, providing a safe, fun, and inclusive environment for children across the Yampa Valley. As the second-largest youth sports program in the region, the club serves over 1,000 athletes annually, drawing participants from Craig, Hayden, South Routt, and Steamboat Springs. The club's unwavering commitment to accessibility and community engagement is set to receive a significant boost through the Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day. By raising $40,000 in honor of its 40th anniversary, the Steamboat Soccer Club can expand its reach, offering more opportunities for low-income families and ensuring fair compensation for the dedicated local referees, many of whom are middle and high school students.

Whiteout Volleyball Club: Breaking Barriers, Building Champions

The Whiteout Volleyball Club is a shining example of how sports can transcend socio-economic boundaries and provide a level playing field for all. Regardless of a child's background, the club offers every young athlete a chance to participate in the sport, fostering teamwork, responsibility, and respect. From competitive travel teams to camps, clinics, and private lessons, the Whiteout Volleyball Club is committed to nurturing the talents of players from grades 4-12. Its scholarship program further ensures that the sport remains accessible to all, empowering young individuals to hone their skills and develop essential life skills.

High Altitude Basketball: Cultivating Excellence on and off the Court

High Altitude Basketball (HAB) is more than just a sports program; it is a mission to instill the spirit of excellence in its players. With nearly 400 youth participating, HAB's offerings span from the Little Hoopers program for first-graders to high school-level competitive opportunities. The program's philosophy is rooted in the belief that "players don't care how much you know until they know how much you care," emphasizing the importance of building genuine connections and relationships. By fostering an environment that prioritizes community, sportsmanship, and personal growth, HAB empowers its young athletes to excel not only on the court but in all aspects of their lives.

Steamboat Tennis Association: A Lifelong Pursuit of Excellence

The Steamboat Tennis Association is dedicated to making the sport of tennis accessible to all youth in the Yampa Valley. Recognizing tennis as a vehicle for character-building both on and off the court, the association aims to shape the skills and mindset of young individuals from an early age. Through initiatives like the "Rise and Rip It" program, the Steamboat Tennis Association provides opportunities for youth to hone their skills and develop a lifelong passion for the sport. By supporting the association's efforts, the Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day will help ensure that the sport of tennis remains a viable and engaging option for the region's youth.

Steamboat Dance Theatre: Empowering Through Movement

Steamboat Dance Theatre's mission is to engage, educate, and enrich the communities of the Yampa Valley through the power of dance and movement. In addition to its annual concert, the theater provides scholarships to those with financial need, allowing them to fulfill their dancing dreams. As a community-focused organization, Steamboat Dance Theatre partners with local schools to introduce youth to the transformative world of dance at an early age. The Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day's support will further strengthen the organization's ability to impact the lives of young dancers and foster a deeper appreciation for the art form within the community.

The Cycle Effect: Empowering Girls and Women Through Mountain Biking

The Cycle Effect is a remarkable organization that uses the bike as a tool to mentor and empower girls and women. By promoting belonging, physical well-being, mental health, leadership, and pure enjoyment, The Cycle Effect is making a lasting impact in the lives of its participants. With programs across Eagle, Summit, Mesa, and Routt counties, the organization provides bikes, gear, transportation, bilingual coaching, and low-cost programming to ensure accessibility. The Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day's support will further strengthen The Cycle Effect's ability to inspire the next generation of female cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts.

Colorado Biathlon Club: Cultivating a Legacy of Nordic Excellence

Steamboat Springs has a rich heritage in Nordic skiing, and the Colorado Biathlon Club is at the forefront of nurturing this tradition. Committed to developing and empowering youth and adult biathletes, the club offers programming for athletes aged 11-18 and maintains a range at the YMCA of the Rockies Snow Mountain Ranch Nordic Center near Granby. With the support of the Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day, the Colorado Biathlon Club can continue to grow its community, providing more young individuals with the opportunity to explore the thrilling sport of biathlon.

Steamboat Springs Youth Hockey Association: Positivity on and off the Ice

Celebrating its 30th year, the Steamboat Springs Youth Hockey Association is dedicated to delivering a positive hockey experience for its players both on and off the ice. The organization's partnership with the local school district to offer an Introduction to Hockey program has been a resounding success, providing youth ages 5-11 the chance to try hockey for free. However, the program's consistent waitlist has highlighted the need for additional financial support. The Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day can help the Steamboat Springs Youth Hockey Association expand its reach, bringing the joy of hockey to more young athletes in the area.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Colorado: Inspiring Futures

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Colorado serve over 1,000 children ages 6-18 in the Yampa Valley, with a mission to inspire and enable young people to reach their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens. By fostering self-esteem and instilling values and skills crucial during the formative years, the clubs aim to empower youth and set them on a path to success. The Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day's support will further strengthen the organization's ability to provide transformative experiences and opportunities for the region's young people.

Steamboat Skating Club: Cultivating Artistry and Athleticism

The Steamboat Skating Club is dedicated to supporting figure skaters of all skill levels, offering instruction to youth ages 5 and up. Through its programs, the club focuses on building personal, athletic, and artistic growth, providing opportunities for beginner to advanced skaters to showcase their talents at community events, including the annual spring ice show. With the support of the Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day, the Steamboat Skating Club can continue to nurture the next generation of figure skaters, instilling in them a lifelong passion for the sport.

Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club: Empowering Neurodivergent Athletes

The Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club (SSWSC) is committed to ensuring that all children, regardless of their neurodiversity, have the opportunity to develop life skills and personal growth through sports. With the funds raised from the Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day, the SSWSC aims to support its neurodivergent athletes by providing paraprofessionals to assist in its programming. This inclusive approach recognizes the unique needs and abilities of all young individuals, empowering them to thrive in the winter sports they love.