Colossal Launches Youth Athlete of the Year Voting With $25K Prize and Mentorship

A nationwide campaign by Colossal spotlights integrity and leadership as public voting opens to celebrate rising stars in youth sports.

Colossal, the force behind a range of impactful fundraising competitions, has launched public voting for the Youth Athlete of the Year campaign. The initiative honors young athletes across the United States who lead by example, compete with discipline, and inspire their peers on and off the field.

Community Voting to Celebrate Everyday Champions

One standout athlete will receive the prestigious Youth Athlete of the Year title, be featured in a national 3BRAND ad in Sports Illustrated, and take home a $25,000 award to invest in their future. This campaign provides a platform for deserving young athletes to have their stories showcased, dreams supported, and hard work rewarded.

Colossal‘s event is made possible by 3BRAND, the youth-focused apparel label founded by Super Bowl Champion and New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson. 3BRAND’s mission is dedicated to empowering kids and fostering a sense of community among youth, in partnership with Nike.

Russell Wilson and Star Ambassadors Inspire the Next Generation

Russell Wilson, co-founder of the Why Not You Foundation and a cornerstone of the campaign, said, “Ciara and I founded Why Not You Foundation to inspire the next generation to follow their dreams to become anything they want to be. It’s powerful to watch these young athletes show up, not just to compete, but to lead. Youth Athlete of the Year is about celebrating their drive, their discipline, and their belief that anything is possible. Alongside our incredible Foundation, we are proud to be part of a competition that inspires the next generation and supports causes that matter.”

Finalists won’t just take home prizes—they’ll gain access to mentorship and motivating guidance from a star lineup including:

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  Russell Wilson (NFL quarterback, entrepreneur, philanthropist)

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  Thadeous Bullard (WWE Superstar, better known as Titus O’Neil)

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  Chaunté Lowe (Four-time Olympic high jumper and cancer survivor)

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  Macklin Celebrini (NHL standout)

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  Haleigh Washington (Double Olympic volleyball medalist)

How Public Voting Works

Parents and guardians have already registered their young athletes for this campaign. From now on, fans, family, and friends can vote once daily for free, or cast extra votes by donation. All paid votes benefit both the V Foundation for Cancer Research, founded by legendary coach Jim Valvano, which has fueled nearly $400 million in research, and the Why Not You Foundation, led by Wilson and Ciara, which focuses on education, health, and empowering youth.

This unique model combines recognition for individual athletic achievement with fundraising for meaningful nonprofit causes, amplifying the impact of every vote.

A Platform That Elevates Youth Sports Stories

Mary Hagen, CEO of Colossal, said, “At Colossal, we believe in creating experiences that elevate everyday champions. Youth Athlete of the Year is a celebration of young people who bring passion, perseverance, and purpose to their sport—and to their lives. We’re thrilled to provide a platform where their stories can be seen, heard, and supported.”

For more information or to vote for your favorite athlete, visit athleteoftheyear.org and follow Colossal for campaign updates.