COLORADO SPRINGS — More than 8,000 miles separate Colorado Springs from the country of Uganda, but when it's a cause near and dear to your heart, no distance is too far.
"It's a huge opportunity and I think all of us involved get the opportunity to build relationships with these girls and teach them and learn from them and play a sport we all love," Colorado Springs School's Mia Chavez said.
Spearheaded by standout female athletes from the Colorado Springs School, St. Mary's, and Coronado, the Crossover for Change foundation was created earlier this year.
"I had a lot of success and built a lot of relationships being able to share that with other people, it means a lot," St. Mary's senior Josephine Howery said.
It's mission: To foster confidence, empowerment, and leadership for young women in Uganda through the sport of basketball.
"We just want to make the greatest change we can and really make a beneficial change in these girl's lives," Coronado senior Anna Griffin said.
Having raised more than $14,000 of their $26,000 goal, the money will be used towards the creation of courts, new equipment, uniforms, and clinics for two local schools in need of a serious assist.
"I know that the girls in Uganda that we're going to work with are going to benefit from the lessons learned through basketball," Colorado Springs School's Kate Griffin said.
Next summer, these talented ladies hope to make the trip to Africa to assist and instruct players on the newly created courts.
"Just the opportunity to be on the court and play with these girls is what I'm most looking forward to," Howery said.
It's an ambitious goal for some of Southern Colorado's finest stars but one they plan to continue to pour their time and resources into. Bringing their passion to less fortunate communities in Africa and possibly around the world.
"If we can get that done and help girls in Uganda with their confidence and make the life that they want we'd love to bring it to other developing countries too and build it beyond there," Coronado senior Paige Richter said.
If you'd like to learn more about the foundation, its members or find out how you can donate, click the link: Crossover For Change
