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The 2026 Youth Athlete of the Year: A Celebration of Young Talent

In an exciting initiative announced by Colossal, the 2026 Youth Athlete of the Year competition aims to shine a spotlight on exceptional young athletes across the nation. This initiative not only recognizes their athletic prowess but also emphasizes character, leadership, and community engagement. Building on the success of last year's event, which raised over $21 million for the Why Not You Foundation, this competition promises to create even more impactful opportunities for youth.

How the Competition Works

The Youth Athlete of the Year competition follows a tournament-style format that places a strong emphasis on community support. Athletes are encouraged to share their stories and experiences, garnering votes from friends, family, and fans. Each supporter can vote once every 24 hours, and those who wish to contribute even more can cast tax-deductible votes by making donations during the competition. These contributions not only help athletes advance but directly benefit the Why Not You Foundation.

The competition is structured as follows:
1. Application: Athletes begin by submitting a brief application form, which will be reviewed by the competition team.
2. Story Sharing: Participants articulate their journey and rally their community around them, encouraging support.
3. Competitive Rounds: As voting opens, athletes progress through various rounds based on the support they receive.

Benefiting the Why Not You Foundation

This year's competition will benefit the Why Not You Foundation, started by Super Bowl-winning quarterback Russell Wilson and global superstar Ciara. Founded in 2014, the foundation’s mission is to empower youth through education initiatives and health programs, fostering a future full of opportunities. “Through the Why Not You Foundation, Ciara and I are dedicated to helping young people believe in themselves, embrace every opportunity, and pursue greatness,” Wilson stated.

The Champion Experience

The title of Youth Athlete of the Year comes with an impressive grand prize package. The winner will:

• - Participate in a professional advertising shoot for 3BRAND, appearing on CBS and in Sports Illustrated.
• - Enjoy a glamorous red carpet experience during the Family Film & TV Awards broadcast on CBS.
• - Receive a personal mentoring session with Russell Wilson, tailored to inspire and guide.
• - Walk away with a cash prize of $25,000 to support their athletic journey.

Ambassadors for Inspiration

To mentor participants, an all-star team of ambassadors will provide exclusive content focused on performance, confidence, and personal growth. These include renowned figures like:

• - Russell Wilson: Super Bowl champion and philanthropist.
• - Shawn Johnson East: Olympic gold medalist passionate about healthy living.
• - Kevin Love: NBA champion and advocate for mental health awareness.
• - Laila Ali: Boxing champion dedicated to promoting wellness and strength.
• - David Ortiz: Celebrated MLB icon and community figure.

The competition is further supported by 3BRAND, an apparel company founded by Wilson and Ciara, focused on empowering youth through a philosophy of ambition and achievement.

How to Get Involved

Parents and guardians of young athletes aged 7-17 from the United States and Canada are invited to participate. The competition encourages athletes to share their journeys while rallying community support. Interested individuals can apply through the official site: youthathlete.org.

As Colossal administers this independent competition, it is important to note that it is not intended as a talent evaluation or ranking system. All outcomes will be determined according to the competition’s official rules.

About Colossal

Colossal is pioneering modern fundraising through purpose-driven online competitions, generating significant funds for various charities. By advocating for individual passions and community involvement, Colossal aims to create meaningful impacts while providing unique opportunities for participants. Since its inception, Colossal has garnered over $243 million for charitable causes, showcasing its commitment to social responsibility.

For more information on joining this extraordinary initiative, visit colossal.org and support the movement that champions young athletes across the continent.