The third annual Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day is underway, a statewide campaign designed to break down financial barriers for children participating in youth athletics. The initiative seeks to build upon the $9 million raised during its first two years.

Organisers noted a disparity in sports participation across the state. While Colorado’s overall youth sports participation rate is 64%, the figure drops to 46% for children from lower-income households. The campaign intends to raise funds to bridge this gap.

“Kids playing sports is not just about being healthy,” organisers said. “It’s better for your mental health, your physical health, but also grit, perseverance, teamwork, learning how to win and learning how to lose, and playing with other kids.”

Last year, the campaign raised $5 million statewide, with $400,000 of those funds directed to organisations in Colorado Springs. For this year's campaign, local organisers have set a goal to reach between $500,000 and $600,000 in support. The Giving Day campaign runs until 15 September.