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COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- During a news conference Monday, the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) presented the City of Colorado Springs with a check for $250,000.
Officials with the USOC said they simply wanted to give back to the city they call home, a city that invested in them.
"The exciting part for us is that the kids are going to be able to stay active, and be involved in programs that will help them become better athletes, and more importantly be fully engaged," USOC CEO Scott Blackmun said.
Blackmun said the grant will be split over two years, and will benefit programs such as youth swimming, hockey, summer camps, and Paralympic sports.
Paul Butcher with the city's Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department said the grant could not come at a better time as all of the programs were going to be cut.
"These programs generally speaking usually benefit low-income or disadvantaged kids, or kids with disabilities, so these programs are really grass roots, basic services that we can provide as a department," Butcher said.
Butcher said the money will be used for equipment, facilities and to hire part time coaches and mentors, not to pay full-time staff. He said he is thankful for the donation and the generosity of the USOC and its national governing bodies.
"The City of Colorado Springs, the people have always come forward, this is a great community of volunteerism, and this time they are volunteering not just time, but money as well, everyone from individuals to corportations," Butcher said.
For a complete list of all of the youth sports and recreation programs that will be receiving money click here.
