Too many kids 'on the sidelines': Utah 2034 pledges funds in youth sports donation effort

SOUTH JORDAN — As the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games creep ever closer, the organizing committee announced it will be partnering with a brand new donation program to support youth sports.

The committee announced it will participate in the inaugural Utah Youth Sports Giving Day, a multi-week donation effort to support Utah-based nonprofit sports organizations working to expand access to youth sports across the state.

Miller Sports + Entertainment hosted representatives from the organizing committee at the Ballpark at America First Square, showcasing Utah 2034's support for the Utah Youth Sports Giving Day.

Utah 2034 CEO Brad Wilson spoke Saturday, explaining that while Utah has a strong sports culture, many underserved youth face significant obstacles to participation in those sports. He said too many kids were being left on the sidelines.

"A key priority for our organizing committee, at this stage, is community impact across Utah," Wilson said. "Sport is a powerful tool to help young people develop life skills while staying healthy, active and engaged. We are appreciative of the initiative of Utah Youth Sports Giving Day founders and proud to support. By expanding access to Olympic and Paralympic sports, we are already working to create a meaningful legacy for the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. This is central to our Games vision that includes building Utah's youth sport participation and instilling lifelong habits of healthy, active living and passion for winter sport."

Both Paralympic and Olympic athletes spoke at the event, expressing their gratitude for the state's efforts to improve youth sports across the state. They credited youth sports programs as inspiration for their Olympic achievements and expressed a desire to encourage others to follow in their footsteps.

During the weeks of the event, any donations raised by Utah Youth Sports Giving Day will be matched by funding from charitable donations across the state, with major funding support from the Larry H. Miller Family Foundation and Daniels Fund.

Other charitable organizations across the state have already joined in the cause to match donations, including America First Credit Union, SME Industries, Mountainland Supply, George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation, Huntsman Family Foundation, Maverik, Ken Garff for Good, The Boyer Company, the Clark and Christine Ivory Foundation, and Forever Young Foundation.

The supporters have committed over $1.5 million in matching donations, including a dollar-for-dollar match on the first $1 million raised. These donations will then be given to 501(c)(3) nonprofits whose programming benefits youth sports.

Utah Youth Sports Giving Day is aiming to generate $3 million in total support during the 2026 campaign, including both funds raised by nonprofit sports organizations and the fund created by campaign partners.

"We are proud to have Utah 2034 partner with us for Utah Youth Sports Giving Day," said Steve Starks, CEO of the Larry H. Miller Company and vice chair of Utah 2034. "As we look toward 2034, investments like this will help ensure the legacy of the Games is measured not only by what happens during those few weeks, but by the opportunities we create for Utah's young people for generations to come."

The Youth Sports Giving Day campaign first started in Colorado in 2024 by the Daniels Fund, designed to help provide organized sports to young people across the state.

More than $9 million has already been raised to support youth sports programs in Colorado, purchasing equipment and uniforms, supporting new facilities in new communities and growing existing sports programs, according to the nonprofit's website.

"Every child deserves the chance to discover what sports can teach beyond the scoreboard," said Hanna Skandera Grady, president and CEO of the Daniels Fund. "Sports help young people build confidence, resilience, teamwork and skills that stay with them for life. Through Utah Youth Sports Giving Day, we're proud to join Utah 2034 and all the generous support across the state to help ensure that cost never keeps a child on the sidelines."

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