Sports stadium in Salt Lake City, the site of the latest state-wide announcement from Utah 2034 about the Winter Olympics and Paralympics. Photo: TownLift // Michele Roepke

SALT LAKE CITY — The Organizing Committee for the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games announced Saturday that it will participate in and financially support the inaugural Utah Youth Sports Giving Day, set for Sept. 12-26.

The statewide campaign will support nonprofit organizations working to expand access to youth sports, including Olympic and Paralympic programs. Spearheaded by several Podium34 captains, the initiative will allow participating organizations to secure matching funds for donations raised during September.

Miller Sports + Entertainment is leading the initiative, with support from Utah 2034, the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation, the Daniels Fund and other community, corporate and philanthropic donors.

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“A key priority for our organizing committee at this stage is community impact across Utah,” Utah 2034 CEO Brad Wilson said in a statement. “Sport is a powerful tool to help young people develop life skills while staying healthy, active and engaged.”

Wilson said expanding access to Olympic and Paralympic sports is part of Utah 2034’s effort to build a lasting legacy for the 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,” he said.

Despite Utah’s strong sports culture, Wilson said too many children remain on the sidelines because of financial and other barriers. Those challenges are also addressed locally through programs such as the Park City Community Foundation’s Youth United, which works to increase access to sports and recreation.

The Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation and the Daniels Fund, both Podium34 founding captains, are among the campaign’s major financial supporters. The Daniels Fund is a private charitable foundation established by cable television pioneer Bill Daniels that provides grants to nonprofits and college scholarships.

Campaign supporters have committed more than $1.5 million in matching funds, including a dollar-for-dollar match for the first $1 million raised. Organizers aim to generate $3 million this year for Utah nonprofits serving young people through sports. That total includes donations raised by participating organizations and money contributed through the campaign’s matching fund.

During the concentrated two-week campaign, nonprofits will raise money to help children participate in sports regardless of their families’ income or background.

Information about registering as a participating nonprofit, becoming a matching-fund donor, or accessing resources through the Utah Nonprofits Association is available at utahyouthsportsgivingday.com.

Miller Sports + Entertainment manages Real Salt Lake, Utah Royals FC, the Salt Lake Bees, Real Monarchs, America First Field and The Ballpark at America First Square. It also oversees Big League Utah’s effort to bring a Major League Baseball team to Salt Lake City.

The Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation supports programs related to health, food and housing security, education, employment and cultural enrichment.

Utah 2034 is the independent nonprofit organization responsible for planning and organizing the 2034 Winter Games. A 26-member board governs it, and a steering committee and its subcommittees provide guidance.

Utah’s preparations for the Winter Games also have ties to the Park City-based Youth Sports Alliance, which grew out of efforts surrounding the 2002 Games. YSA Executive Director Emily Fisher serves on a Utah 2034 steering subcommittee.

Tickets are available for YSA’s annual JANS Winter Welcome fundraiser, scheduled for Oct. 24 at Stein Eriksen Lodge. Registration and opportunity-drawing tickets are available through the Youth Sports Alliance. The drawing winner will receive a trip to the 2027 Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix.