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For one summer afternoon, the focus wasn't on championships, standings, or final scores. It was on something far more meaningful: making sure every child had the chance to feel included.
On July 10, the Colorado Avalanche teamed up 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 for a day centered on movement, friendship, and confidence.
Campers rotated through five activity stations where they learned the fundamentals of basketball, street hockey, lacrosse, soccer, and other sports alongside volunteers and representatives from the organizations. The emphasis wasn't competition—it was creating an environment where every participant could discover something new while having fun.
"The fully inclusive opportunity where they can come and basically just really be introduced to all the different sports that we offer in a non-competitive environment," Special Olympics Colorado's Mandi DeWitt told CBS Colorado. "Being introduced to all the different gross motor skills—walking and running, balancing, jumping, catching, throwing, striking—kind of all of the essentials that every child needs to work on. That's what everything is about here today. It's not just about learning how to play these new sports. It's about making some new friends and also having the opportunity to feel like a winner."
That mission was evident throughout the afternoon. High-fives replaced pressure, smiles outweighed scores, and every station offered another opportunity for campers to build confidence while connecting with new friends.
The collaboration between the Colorado Avalanche, Denver Nuggets, Kroenke Sports Charities, and Special Olympics Colorado once again demonstrated the impact professional sports organizations can have away from the spotlight. While victories on the ice the court, or the field are celebrated throughout a season, moments like these often leave an even more lasting impression.
By the end of the day, every camper walked away with more than just exposure to a new sport. They left with newfound confidence, meaningful friendships, and a reminder that, regardless of ability, they belong.
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On July 10, the Colorado Avalanche teamed up 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 for a day centered on movement, friendship, and confidence.
Campers rotated through five activity stations where they learned the fundamentals of basketball, street hockey, lacrosse, soccer, and other sports alongside volunteers and representatives from the organizations. The emphasis wasn't competition—it was creating an environment where every participant could discover something new while having fun.
"The fully inclusive opportunity where they can come and basically just really be introduced to all the different sports that we offer in a non-competitive environment," Special Olympics Colorado's Mandi DeWitt told CBS Colorado. "Being introduced to all the different gross motor skills—walking and running, balancing, jumping, catching, throwing, striking—kind of all of the essentials that every child needs to work on. That's what everything is about here today. It's not just about learning how to play these new sports. It's about making some new friends and also having the opportunity to feel like a winner."
That mission was evident throughout the afternoon. High-fives replaced pressure, smiles outweighed scores, and every station offered another opportunity for campers to build confidence while connecting with new friends.
Friday fun at Youth Sports Day
Special Olympics Colorado athletes capped off a week of fun with a visit from Bernie, Ice Patrol, and Avalanche Youth Hockey! pic.twitter.com/Ah5W6bAw9n
— Colorado Avalanche Community (@NHLAvalancheCR) July 10, 2026
The collaboration between the Colorado Avalanche, Denver Nuggets, Kroenke Sports Charities, and Special Olympics Colorado once again demonstrated the impact professional sports organizations can have away from the spotlight. While victories on the ice the court, or the field are celebrated throughout a season, moments like these often leave an even more lasting impression.
By the end of the day, every camper walked away with more than just exposure to a new sport. They left with newfound confidence, meaningful friendships, and a reminder that, regardless of ability, they belong.
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