The holidays are a perfect time to chow down on good food, catch the annual Thanksgiving Day Parade, and cheer on a favorite (American) football team. It's also a perfect time to gather with friends and family and give thanks.
As a professional sports organization we're often uniquely positioned to give back to our community, and in 2017 there were countless moments that we were thankful to share. These five topped the list as the most memorable.
5. Burling and Watts host a clinic for military children
In honor of Military Appreciation Night, Bobby Burling and Jared Watts took a trip to Rocky Mountain United Service Organization (USO) in Fort Carson to conduct an afternoon of soccer clinics with over 50 military children ranging from 8-12 years old.
"It's something we really enjoy doing," Jared Watts said. "Everyone sacrifices in military families, so we really wanted to thank and appreciate the people serving our country."
The visit was especially significant to Burling who had the opportunity to share his personal story of growing up in a military family.
“Being from a military family and living on an Air Force base growing up, it brought back a lot of memories from my youth,” Burling said. “Having a parent away for long periods of time could always be tough on the family. It was great to see the kids working hard, and smiling while playing soccer.”
Watch the video feature above as the two players spent the afternoon signing autographs, posing for pictures and handing out gear as a token of appreciation.
4. Watts and Azira visit patients at the Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children
Jared Watts,Micheal Azira and Edson the Eagle dropped by the Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children in September to spend time with patients.
"It's amazing when we can spend some time with them and show that we care about them," Micheal Azira said. "What they're going through is so hard, but they need to know that they are not alone and that people support what they are going through."
The video feature above follows the group as they help lift spirits during difficult times by posing for photos and signing autographs.
3. Special Olympics Unified team sign their official contracts
Arguably one of the most enduring community moments each season is when the club kicks off the partnership with Special Olympics Colorado. This May marked the sixth consecutive season of the program.
"They've all got dreams to play soccer, and they get to do that with us," Zac MacMath said. "We all get behind them as a team, and want to celebrate them."
Watch the feature above as the athletes sign their official contracts, receive their kits, hang out with first-team players and take the pitch for their first training session of 2017.
2. Rapids sign eight-year-old Carter Hampton to a one-game contract
You may remember September 30 as the night Alan Gordon’s go-ahead goal nine minutes from time gave the us a thrilling 2-1 victory over Montreal Impact. A moment you many not have seen that night, came in the form of a little extra support from the honorary Kid Captain. The week prior to the match eight-year-old Carter Hampton was signed to a one-day contract for the match against Montreal.
"It was great to have Carter at the club to sign his contact," Micheal Azira said. "He was so happy. It was such a great day to just spend time with him."
Hampton, who is currently battling Chronic Kidney Disease, took the pitch during warmups, attended the coin-toss ceremony and had his place in the starting lineup announced on the big screen. Carter and his family cheered from the stands, and provided that extra bit of support to help bring the home side three points.
"It's quite amazing how sports can connect people from all different walks of life," Tim Howard said. "When we realize we can affect people's lives in an inspirational way, it's a cool thing for us."
Check out Carter's signing day and learn more about his inspiring story by clicking HERE.
1. Special Olympics Colorado visits Houston for final match of 2017
More than soccer was on the minds of the Special Olympics Colorado players as they took the pitch for the first time since Hurricane Harvey swept through the city of Houston. As part of their annual road trip for an away match, the athletes presented several donations to the Red Cross to aid in their relief efforts. This provided everyone yet another reminder of the true reasons we love sports: the people, the community and the connections.
"Too see how excited these athletes are to be here is really amazing. It makes us really thankful to be a part of the club," Eric Miller said.
Watch the video feature above as we follow Special Olympics Unified athlete Vincent Egan and his team through the road trip to face Special Olympics Texas in the final match of the 2017 season.
Want to see more? Click HERE for all our best community content from 2017.
