The Carbon Valley Parks and Recreation District, Rebels Youth Athletics, City of Evans Recreation, Town of Mead Recreation, and Platteville Recreation have collectively been granted $7,500 in funding from donors at the United Way of Weld County. This funding is designated for scholarships aimed at supporting children and youth participating in recreational activities.
Fifteen Weld County towns and recreation departments received a combined $30,000 in funding. Each year, the resourcing process facilitates scholarships for nearly one thousand youth who might not otherwise engage in activities promoting healthy lifestyles, teach life skills, and improve mental well-being.
“The price of sports participation has been going up, up, up over the past few years,” shared TaylorAnn Cantwell, who is the board treasurer for Rebels Youth Athletics in Keenesburg. “Our hardship fund addresses the need that this has created. We don’t turn away any children or youth that would like to participate. The United Way funds allow RYA to include as many of our families as possible.”
Receiving the scholarship funding were:
- Carbon Valley Parks and Recreation District
- City of Evans Recreation Department
- City of Fort Lupton Recreation
- City of Greeley Culture, Parks and Recreation
- Eaton Area Park and Recreation District
- Highland Recreation Association
- LaSalle Recreation
- Platteville Recreation
- Rebels Youth Athletics
- Thompson Rivers Parks & Recreation District
- Town of Erie
- Town of Kersey Recreation
- Town of Mead Recreation
- Town of Windsor Parks, Culture and Recreation (for Windsor and Severance)
“It’s so important for youth to have the opportunity to participate in recreation programs,” shared Lyle SmithGraybeal, chief operating officer at United Way. “Building healthy habits and providing an opportunity for physical and mental health development is key in building a strong foundation for youth in our community.”
United Way donors have been providing recreation scholarship funding throughout Weld County for over 30 years. Any recreation program or district in the county may apply to receive funds. The next volunteer-led process will be held in early 2025. Contact Cienfuegos-Baca at @unitedway-weld.org or 970-353-4300 to find out more or to make a recreation scholarship-supporting donation.
