Youth sports free for kids in Colorado Springs until 2026
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- The City of Colorado Springs is offering thousands of local kids the chance to participate in youth sports, free of charge through at least 2026.
City officials say this opportunity is made possible by a program created by Olympic City USA. According to the city, the biggest help to the program, which began as a pilot program in 2021, is a $225,000 grant from the Daniels Fund and $50,000 from the Dakota Foundation over the next three years.
Olympic City USA received additional funding for the initiative thanks to Boeing, the Chapman Foundations, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Comcast, Gazette Charities Foundation, and the Schuck Foundation.
As of Monday, $339,500 has been raised for the initiative. All the funds will be used to waive registration fees based on age divisions of soccer, t-ball, baseball, and softball through the City’s Sports Office on a first-come, first-served basis.
“In Olympic City USA, we recognize the positive impact that youth sports can have on kids, which will last through their lifetime,” said Janet Suthers, Olympic City USA Task Force co-chair, in a press release. “The opportunity to play should not be limited by the ability to pay a fee, and this initiative aims to remove that barrier, especially for families that need a boost. We are grateful for the partners and granting organizations who believe the same, and we look forward to expanding this program to reach more kids across more age groups.”
In Fall 2022, the first 460 kids will get a $78 waive on their fee at parks citywide from PreK-4th grade.
“Bill Daniels believed in the power of sports to build important values that help our young people throughout their lives, such as character, teamwork, and discipline,” said Hanna Skandera, president & CEO of the Daniels Fund, in a press release. “The enriching benefits of sports should be available to youth of all backgrounds and we’re thrilled to provide that opportunity.”
For more information on the city's youth sports offerings and volunteer coaching, click here.
