COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. –This Saturday, Sept. 6, the United States Olympic & Paralympic Museum will be offering free admission thanks to the generous support of the Daniels Fund, in celebration of Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day— an annual event that raised more than 3.7 million statewide for local youth sports teams in 2024. Families are invited to explore the Museum’s world-class exhibits, meet Olympic and Paralympic athletes, and connect with local youth sports organizations.    

While online reservations are sold out, free walk-up tickets will be available at the door throughout the day on a first-come, first-served basis.

Event Highlights on Sept. 6:

• Meet Team USA Athletes: Guests will have the opportunity to hear from Olympians and Paralympians as they share their stories of perseverance, dedication, and the impact of sports on their lives.
  • Tyler Carter (10 – 11:30 a.m.) – Paralympian (Para alpine skiing)
  • Melissa Stockwell (10 – 11:30 a.m.) – Paralympian (Paratriathlon, Para swimming)
  • Noah Elliott (11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.) – Paralympian (Para Snowboarding)
  • Adeline Gray (11 a.m. – 12 p.m.) – Olympian (Wrestling)
  • Lexi Lagan (11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.) – Olympian (Shooting)
  • Jenny Arthur (1 – 2:30 p.m.) – Olympian (Weightlifting)
  • Patrick Halgren (1 – 2:30 p.m.) – Paralympian (Para swimming)
  • Hailey Danz (2 – 3:30 p.m.) – Paralympian (Paratriathlon)
  • Jennifer Valente (2 – 3:30 p.m.) – Olympian (Cycling)
  • Dennis Bowsher (2 – 3:30 p.m.) – Olympian (Modern Pentathlon)

• Connect with Local Youth Sports Organizations: Families attending the event will have the opportunity to connect with several local youth sports organizations and learn how to get their children involved in organized sports—fostering growth both on and off the field.
  • S. Figure Skating
  • USA Shooting
  • Special Olympics
  • Altitude Movement Gym
  • Pride Soccer
  • I9
  • Girls Rugby, Inc.
  • Positive Athlete Foundation
  • Every Kid Sports
  • City of Colorado Springs Parks & Rec
  • Colorado Springs Amateur Hockey Association 

• Explore the Bill Daniels Gallery of Inspiration: This gallery is dedicated to inspiring visitors and encouraging youth participation in sports. Now on display is the newly added exhibit, Beyond the Podium: Celebrating the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame, where inspiration comes to life with the remarkable milestones and stories of these legendary athletes, encouraging young visitors to embrace perseverance, sportsmanship, and the pursuit of their own dreams.

Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day is part of a statewide initiative running from Sept. 3 through Sept. 17 to support youth sports participation.

Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day — a collaborative effort between the Aspen Institute’s Project Play, the Daniels Fund, community sponsors, and nonprofit organizations across the state — raised $3.7 million last year for 175 local sports organizations across Colorado.  

The campaign allows organizations to raise essential funds to increase youth sports participation. Thanks to tremendous support from sponsors, the campaign features a matching fund of more than $1.5 million. The first $1 million donated will be matched dollar-for-dollar, effectively doubling the impact of every early gift. Remaining matching funds will be awarded based on the overall totals raised by participating organizations throughout the campaign.  

Donations can be made online at youthsportsgivingday.org utilizing the Colorado Gives platform, which offers a safe, flexible and convenient way to give.

CONTACT: Annie Rosack // [email protected] // 719.497.1234 ext. 12368