​For a summer afternoon, the scoreboards and standings took a back seat to something far more meaningful: ensuring that every child has the chance to feel included. On July 10, the Colorado Avalanche joined forces with the Denver Nuggets, Kroenke Sports Charities, and Special Olympics Colorado for Kroenke Youth Sports Day at the Young Athletes Summer Camp, welcoming nearly 180 young athletes to a day devoted to movement, friendship, and growing self-confidence.
Campers rotated through five activity stations, learning the basics of basketball, street hockey, lacrosse, soccer, and other sports with the help of volunteers and representatives from the participating organizations. The emphasis wasn’t on competition; it was about fostering an atmosphere where each participant could discover something new while simply having fun. “The fully inclusive opportunity where they can come and basically just really be introduced to all the different sports we offer in a non-competitive environment,” explained Special Olympics Colorado’s Mandi DeWitt to CBS Colorado. “They’re introduced to all the different gross motor skills—walking and running, balancing, jumping, catching, throwing, striking—fundamental skills every child needs to work on. That’s what today is all about. It’s not just about learning how to play these new sports. It’s about making new friends and also having the chance to feel like a winner.”
That mission was evident throughout the afternoon. High-fives replaced pressure, smiles outweighed scores, and each station offered another chance for campers to build confidence while forming new friendships. The collaboration among the Colorado Avalanche, Denver Nuggets, Kroenke Sports Charities, and Special Olympics Colorado underscored the meaningful impact that professional sports organizations can have beyond the spotlight. While season-long victories on the ice, court, or field are celebrated, moments like these often leave a deeper, more lasting impression.
By day’s end, every camper left with more than exposure to a new sport. They departed with renewed self-assurance, meaningful friendships, and a reminder that, regardless of ability, they belong.