DENVER (KDVR) — After three years of watching how girls flag football was received in Colorado, the Colorado High School Activities Association voted Tuesday to sanction the game as an official high school sport.
The Broncos and the Denver Broncos Foundation supported the pilot program, which initially targeted approximately 1,500 girls from 50 schools, 10 districts, and approximately 850 games. The foundation said the number of games increased by 310% and the number of participants increased by 161% during the three-year pilot program.
“Thrilled has not yet begun reporting on it,” CHSAA Commissioner Mike Krueger said in the Broncos' release. “This is not just about gaming. It's about empowerment, teamwork and breaking down barriers.”
Krueger said the inclusion of the sport fosters athleticism and provides female athletes with a major opportunity to participate in the sport.
“We foster leadership, confidence and equality on and off the field, sparking a new era of inclusivity and self-empowerment in every girl who participates. They are redefining the playing field and inspiring the next generation. Get ready to witness their unstoppable power,” Krueger said.
According to the Broncos, flag football is growing in popularity and is scheduled to debut as an Olympic sport at the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Games.
Colorado has become the 11th state in the United States to recognize girls' flag football as a high school sport. This is also her 14th fall activity and her 21st girls activity certified by the Colorado High School Activities Association.
“This is history for the state of Colorado and, most importantly, for the state's girls who are embarking on a new path to the sport through flag football,” said Carrie Walton Penner, Broncos owner and Denver Broncos Foundation board chair. moment,” he said in a release. “In addition to providing a great platform for empowerment, inclusion and teamwork, Girls Flag creates a strong sense of belonging and community for the next generation of leaders.”
She thanked the association for its dedication, community impact team, and student-athletes and coaches during the three-year sanctions process.
With the sport's official recognition, the Denver Broncos Foundation is committed to continuing to support the sport through seasonal programs, coaching clinics, athlete and coach recognition, and youth health and wellness initiatives.
