Support the Denver YMCA on Youth Sports Giving Day

The YMCA of Metro Denver is proud to participate in Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day, a statewide effort to level the playing field for every child. This initiative is more than a fundraiser. It’s a movement to ensure every kid, regardless of zip code or income, can experience the lifelong benefits of sports: confidence, teamwork, discipline and joy.

This campaign is especially meaningful to me as I've seen the positive impacts of both Sports and the YMCA in my life. I got involved with sports at the age of 9, when I joined the little league baseball team. I remained involved in sports through college (football and lacrosse), with my sports career culminating with a D1 national championship trophy for lacrosse. I've also been involved with the YMCA since the age of 12, when I attended a summer sports day camp. I continued to attend the Y off and on through the years, taking karate and swim lessons, attending step classes and as a "second home" while on assignment in Canada. I remain involved with the YMCA today, serving as a board member for the last 11 years.  

Both Sports and the YMCA benefited me through lessons in discipline and perseverance. I gained confidence being part of a team, and I have grown through the people and cultures I continue to meet and experience. I'd like every child in Colorado to have the same opportunity.  

This is why I'm asking you to join me in supporting this year's Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day campaign.        

This campaign runs from September 1 through September 15. Gifts made online will be boosted through match and incentive funds, making your gift to the YMCA go even further for Colorado kids. 

At the YMCA, we believe the best thing kids take away from sports isn’t a medal or a trophy — it’s confidence, character and the courage to keep trying when things get tough. 

Here are examples of what your donation makes possible:

$30 → provides a sports jersey to one child, giving them the confidence of wearing their team colors and feeling like they truly belong from the very first practice. 
$85 → provides one child with access to Soccer Academy, helping them learn the value of teamwork on and off the field.
$110 → funds a full NinjaZone session for one child, helping them build lifelong confidence and develop new skills.
$350 → gives two siblings the opportunity to play a full season of NFL Flag Football, creating memories together while building resilience and a sense of belonging.
$930 → provides a volleyball season for a team of six young athletes, creating a space where they can grow as players, support one another, and learn resilience that extends far beyond the court.

Your gift brings a child one step closer to the joy of being part of a team.