Springs Times

The City of Colorado Springs adopted the Children’s Bill of Rights in Sports, an initiative to ensure opportunities and participation of all children to play sports. Mayor John Suthers announced his endorsement of the program on May 18 at the Project Play Summit, an event for leaders focused on building healthy children and communities through sports. The summit, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary, is being held this week for the first time in Colorado Springs, Olympic City USA.

Developed by the Aspen Institute’s Sports & Society Program through its Project Play initiative, the Children’s Bill of Rights in Sports has been adopted by more than 130 international and national organizations, including UNICEF USA, premier sports associations, sports businesses, and non-government officials.

“Sports are a part of the fabric of our community and thanks to the free sports program championed by Olympic City USA, youth sports are now available to more families than ever before,” said Mayor Suthers. “We recognize the positive and life-long impact youth sports can have on kids, and we are proud to endorse the Children’s Bill of Rights in Sports and host the Project Play Summit here in Colorado Springs.”

The Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Department will incorporate this initiative through training sessions with its volunteer coaches and staff, and in its marketing materials. The Bill of Rights in Sports includes eight rights for children:

• To play sports.
• To safe and healthy environments.
• To qualified program leaders.
• To developmentally appropriate play.
• To share in the planning and delivery of their activities.
• To an equal opportunity for personal growth.
• To be treated with dignity.
• To enjoy themselves.

“Access to free youth sports aligns with our city’s and the Olympic and Paralympic values like friendship and equality,” said Doug Price, President & CEO of Visit Colorado Springs and co-chair of the Olympic City USA taskforce. “We want to ensure people of all backgrounds have access to enriching programs across our city, and the Children’s Bill of Rights in Sports is a great tool to support these efforts.”

More information on the Children’s Bill of Rights in Sports is available at AspenProjectPlay.org/childrens-rights-and-sports. For more information about the free sports program championed by Olympic City USA, visit ColoradoSprings.gov/FreeSports.

Original source can be found here.