See a problem, Create a Solution
Father, husband and State Senator James Coleman has spent his career working to make Colorado a better
place for his friends, family, neighbors, and fellow citizens. When not representing his community in the State
Senate, James can most often be found supporting his son and daughter as the complete in basketball and
track and field respectively.
Early morning workouts, practice most nights after school, and travel tournaments during weekends and
throughout the summer—this is the life of a young competitive athlete and their family. It’s an all-in
commitment.
But James saw a problem: The cost of these competitive, travel clubs—from club fees, to travel, to equipment,
to extra coaching—puts this life-changing opportunity out of reach for too many families. This doesn’t just
impact the kids who don’t get to play, it impacts every player and the overall strength of the team as talented
athletes are left on the sidelines not because of a lack of will or talent, but because of a lack of financial
resources.
So, as is James’s nature, after seeing the problem, he envisioned the solution: provide scholarships to families
with financial need to allow a more diverse range of participation and opportunity and to elevate the
discussion about youth sports as a gateway to future education, engaged citizenship, and community
leadership.
Leveling the Playing Field
James knows personally what an impact a scholarship can make, having received a need-based
education scholarship himself in grades 7-12. Because of his experience, he went on to volunteer (and later
work) to pay that experience forward—something he’s still actively committed to as a legislator. The vision for
Chance Sports is a product of his first-hand experience as a student athlete, and that of his children, as a
parent and leader.
It struck a nerve with James that while sports have long been a great equalizer, modern changes to the cost to
play are building new barriers to entry even as we’re tearing down old ones. The mission with Chance Sports is
to level the playing field, to open doors that have been closed due to a lack of financial resources so those
with the drive and talent can to compete. They bring the preparation and we bring the opportunity.
Together, we win. We not only believe that, but are committed to putting it into action, one student athlete at a time. We hope you’ll join us.