Denver Mayor reminds all Colorado students: ‘We all have something to contribute’
AURORA — The Colorado High School Activities Association today released a video from Denver Mayor Michael Hancock as part of its “You Can Play, Colorado!” contest—a program focused on stopping bullying and delivering messages of inclusion and acceptance for all students participating in high school activities such as sports, speech, music and student leadership.
“You Can Play, Colorado!” is part of the “We Are CHSAA” positive leadership campaign, an educational experience—in partnership with the Positive Coaching Alliance, You Can Play and the Gay & Lesbian Fund for Colorado—dedicated to ensuring that all students are encouraged to participate and be accepted for what they bring to a team or activity, and not excluded for what some might see as differences.
“I know the importance of teamwork, both in and away from the game,” states Mayor Hancock, a former officer in the CHSAA’s student leadership program, in the video. “Accepting our differences is the right thing to do, and together, we’re all a better team,”
The “You Can Play, Colorado!” contest is focused on student video contributions. The contest, which runs through February, challenges students, teams and groups to explain how and why they welcome everyone based on heart, talent and commitment without excluding students because of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other perceived differences.
The top “You Can Play, Colorado!” videos will win cash prizes for the students’ school. And the winning videos will be shown at the State Basketball Championships on March 15. Denver East High School has already posted a video that demonstrates the power these visual messages can provide for a school.
To learn more about the “You Can Play, Colorado!” contest and to view videos, including the recent Nuggets and the Colorado Avalanche videos, please visit CHSAANow.com/leadership/youcanplay.
Stay tuned for an upcoming “You Can Play Colorado!” videos submitted by students across Colorado.