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Play ball! Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day wants to make sports accessible to every child!

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, September 8th 2025 at 12:19 GMT by KKTV11
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Play Ball Colorado Unveils 2025 Youth Sports Giving Day to Keep Every Child on the Field

On Wednesday, September 8, 2025, Play Ball Colorado – the state’s leading grassroots organization for youth athletics – announced its annual “Youth Sports Giving Day,” a community‑wide fundraiser designed to keep sports affordable and accessible for all Colorado kids. The news, published on KKTV’s local newsroom site, outlined a robust event schedule, a compelling mission statement, and a host of partners eager to back the initiative.

The Big Picture: Why Play Ball Colorado Needs a Giving Day

At its core, Play Ball Colorado exists to level the playing field—literally and figuratively—for families who might otherwise be priced out of organized sports. Since its founding in 2012, the organization has helped more than 15,000 children from low‑income families participate in soccer, basketball, baseball, and other leagues through financial assistance, gear‑donations, and discounted program fees. The nonprofit has long argued that participation in sports offers children critical life skills: teamwork, confidence, physical fitness, and a sense of belonging.

“The pandemic exposed a deep inequity in our state’s youth sports ecosystem,” says Maria Gomez, Executive Director of Play Ball Colorado. “Many families could no longer afford registration fees, travel costs, or even a pair of new cleats. That’s why we’re launching this Giving Day—to close that gap and ensure every child can stay active, stay healthy, and stay engaged.”

What the Giving Day Looks Like

The article highlights that the Giving Day will unfold across several venues in Colorado Springs, the organization’s headquarters, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event will feature:

The day will be livestreamed on the Play Ball Colorado YouTube channel, allowing out‑of‑state supporters to watch the festivities and donate in real time. A live donation ticker will track the goal—$100,000 for the 2025‑26 season—ensuring transparency and excitement.

Partnerships That Power the Event

KKTV’s report points out several key partners that will help the Giving Day succeed. Walmart Colorado, for instance, has pledged $5,000 in matching funds for every dollar donated through its “Donate & Match” portal. Local businesses—Mountain View Sporting Goods, Red Rock Community Bank, and The Colorado Springs Gazette—will contribute items for the silent auction and promote the event on their social‑media feeds.

Additionally, the article links to a press release from the Play Ball Foundation, the national umbrella organization that provides strategic support and shared branding. Play Ball Colorado’s Giving Day aligns with the foundation’s “Youth Sports Equity Initiative,” a cross‑state campaign that launched in 2024.

How to Get Involved

The article encourages a broad range of community participation: from individual donors to corporate sponsors. Three main avenues are highlighted:

1. Online Donations – via the Play Ball Colorado website (www.playballcolorado.org/donate). Users can set up one‑time or recurring gifts.
2. In‑Person Volunteering – volunteers can register at the event’s front desk to help with registration, snack service, or silent auction management.
3. Corporate Sponsorships – businesses can purchase sponsorship packages that include logo placement, a booth at the picnic, and complimentary tickets to the golf invitational.

A QR code (link: https://playballcolorado.org/givingday) will be displayed at the event and posted on social media, directing instant donations.

A Call to the Community

The article closes with a heartfelt appeal from Coach Thomas Lee, a former high school soccer captain and current Play Ball volunteer. “When I was a kid, my dad’s savings were the only thing that kept me on the field,” he says. “Now, I want every child to have that same chance. Your donation doesn’t just buy a jersey; it buys a future.”

The Giving Day’s objective is not only to raise funds but to galvanize a statewide conversation about the role of sport in youth development. As Colorado’s population diversifies, ensuring equitable access to organized sports is increasingly vital for social cohesion.

Final Thoughts

KKTV’s article serves as both an informative recap and a rallying cry: play ball for all kids, not just for the privileged. By blending on‑site fun, online interactivity, and community‑wide partnership, Play Ball Colorado’s Youth Sports Giving Day seeks to keep the love of sport alive in every child’s life—one donation, one run, one swing at a time. The organization’s website (www.playballcolorado.org) and the linked Play Ball Foundation page offer more details, encouraging readers to contribute, volunteer, or simply spread the word.