Empowering Youth Through Sports Partnerships
At Stanley Park High School, we believe in the transformative power of sports to enrich the lives of young people. That’s why we are thrilled to showcase the inspiring athlete-driven charity initiatives taking place right here in our community. Through partnerships with organizations like Kroenke Sports Charities, the USATF Foundation, and Up2Us Sports, our students and families have access to a wealth of opportunities that go far beyond the playing field.
Kroenke Sports Charities: Celebrating 25 Years of Community Impact
As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of Ball Arena, the home of the Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche, Kroenke Sports Charities (KSC) is stepping up to make a lasting difference in our community. Through their extensive grant program, KSC is offering 25 grants of $10,000 each to 501(c)3 organizations that align with their mission of serving families, children, veterans, and the disabled.
“Sports provide a unifying platform, bringing together diverse groups of people with a common passion,” says the KSC team. “Together with our partners, we strive to make a lasting difference in the lives of our neighbors and friends.”
One exciting initiative from KSC is the 13th annual giveSPORTS Equipment Drive, presented by Colorado Honda Dealers. On September 21, 2024, the public is invited to drop off new or gently used sports equipment at Ball Arena, which will be distributed to underserved local youth. Participation in extracurricular sports can have a significant impact on the educational, emotional, behavioral, and physical outcomes for disadvantaged young people.
By supporting this drive, our community can ensure that all students at Stanley Park High School have the opportunity to experience the benefits of sports participation.
USATF Foundation: Fueling Dreams and Expanding Opportunities
The USA Track & Field (USATF) Foundation is another incredible partner that is making a profound impact on the lives of young athletes in our school and beyond. Through their generous support, emerging elite athletes and youth clubs alike are able to pursue their dreams and reach new heights.
“The USATF Foundation provides a means to attract and guide funds to new and innovative track and field programs, with an emphasis on providing opportunities for youth athletes, emerging and experienced elite athletes, along with guidance on future career paths,” explains the Foundation’s leadership.
One of the ways the USATF Foundation supports our students is through the Run With US! program, which connects elite athletes with high school sports teams. As Stanley Park High School cross country runner Shannon Osika shared, “The Foundation has been so generous to the developing athletes in this sport! It has made a great difference in the way I am able to train, and I hope to be exactly where I need to be come next year.”
The USATF Foundation also provides critical funding and mentorship to youth clubs, like the Baltimore White Knight Track Club, ensuring that students from all backgrounds have access to high-quality athletic programs and resources.
Up2Us Sports: Coaching for Positive Change
Up2Us Sports, a national service organization, is another key partner in our school’s sports philanthropy efforts. By using sports as a solution to the challenges facing young people, Up2Us Sports is making a tangible difference in the lives of our students.
“We use sports and coaching to address some of the most pressing issues facing youth across the country today: mental wellness, gender equity, social justice, and economic mobility in historically marginalized and underserved communities,” explains Up2Us Sports Founder and CEO Paul Caccamo.
Through their AmeriCorps program, Up2Us Sports trains and places coaches in under-resourced communities, empowering them to become leaders and catalysts for positive change. One of these coaches, Taleek Norman, has made a significant impact at our own Equity Design program, fostering teamwork, personal development, and a strong sense of community.
“Taleek has become a pillar of his community, catalyzing teamwork and personal development both among his students and fellow coaches,” says the Up2Us Sports team.
In addition to their coaching initiatives, Up2Us Sports also hosts annual events like the Sneaker Ball, which brings together the sports, finance, and entertainment worlds to raise funds for their impactful programs.
Celebrating Our Student-Athletes’ Philanthropic Spirit
At Stanley Park High School, we are incredibly proud of our student-athletes who are actively engaged in these charitable initiatives. Whether it’s participating in the giveSPORTS Equipment Drive, connecting with elite athletes through the Run With US! program, or benefiting from the mentorship and resources provided by Up2Us Sports, our students are learning the value of giving back and making a difference in their community.
“Sports provide a unifying platform, bringing together diverse groups of people with a common passion,” says the Kroenke Sports Charities team. This sentiment is reflected in the way our student-athletes are embracing the opportunity to be agents of change, using their athletic prowess to uplift and empower their peers.
As we continue to partner with these remarkable organizations, we look forward to witnessing the transformative impact they will have on the lives of our students and the broader Stanley Park community. By celebrating sports philanthropy and the inspiring initiatives led by our athlete-champions, we are not only fostering athletic excellence but also cultivating compassionate, civic-minded leaders of tomorrow.
Get Involved: How You Can Support Stanley Park’s Sports Philanthropy Efforts
There are numerous ways for students, parents, and community members to get involved in Stanley Park High School’s sports philanthropy initiatives:
- Donate sports equipment: Participate in the annual giveSPORTS Equipment Drive by donating new or gently used sports equipment, ensuring that all students have the resources they need to thrive.
- Volunteer with Up2Us Sports: Lend your time and talents to support Up2Us Sports’ coaching initiatives, mentoring young athletes and contributing to positive change in our community.
- Attend the USATF Foundation’s Run With US! events: Come out to cheer on our student-athletes as they connect with elite track and field stars and gain invaluable insights into the sport.
- Support the Up2Us Sports Sneaker Ball: Join us at this annual fundraiser to celebrate the remarkable coaches and honorees who are making a difference in the lives of young people through sports.
By getting involved in these meaningful initiatives, you can help us enhance the lives of our students and create a more inclusive, equitable, and compassionate community. Together, we can harness the power of sports to unlock the full potential of our young people and build a brighter future for all.
To learn more about how you can support Stanley Park High School’s sports philanthropy efforts, please visit our school website. We look forward to working alongside you to make a lasting impact on our students and community.
