PHOENIX, Aug. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Colossal, the professional fundraiser behind some of today's most dynamic cause-based competitions, has officially launched public voting for Youth Athlete of the Year. This nationwide campaign celebrates young athletes who lead with integrity, play with heart, and bring their best to every game, practice, and teammate.

One exceptional athlete will earn the coveted Youth Athlete of the Year title, be featured in a 3BRAND advertisement in Sports Illustrated, and receive a $25,000 prize to invest in their future.

The Colossal competition is sponsored by 3BRAND, the youth-focused apparel company founded by NFL quarterback Russell Wilson, who serves as a proud advocate for the campaign and its mission.

"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," said Wilson. "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."

How It Works

Parents and guardians have registered their young athletes to participate. Now, family, friends, and fans can cast a free daily vote or/and they can cast votes by donation to help their favorite competitor advance through each round in this tournament-style online competition. Each vote by donation supports two nonprofit partners: the V Foundation for Cancer Research and the Why Not You Foundation.

• The V Foundation for Cancer Research: Founded by ESPN and legendary basketball coach Jim Valvano, the V Foundation has funded nearly $400 million in game-changing cancer research, accelerating Victory Over Cancer® and saving lives.
  
  
• The Why Not You Foundation: Established by Russell Wilson and Ciara, this nonprofit is dedicated to fighting poverty through education and health initiatives that empower youth to lead with a "Why Not You?" attitude.

In addition to the grand prize and national feature, athletes will benefit from mentorship and motivational content provided by a star-studded lineup that includes:

• Russell Wilson (Super Bowl-winning NFL quarterback & founder of 3BRAND)
  
  
• Thadeous Bullard (WWE Superstar, aka Titus O'Neil)
  
  
• Chaunté Lowe (4x Olympic high jumper & cancer survivor)
  
  
• Macklin Celebrini (NHL standout)
  
  
• Haleigh Washington (2x Olympic volleyball medalist)

"At Colossal, we believe in creating experiences that elevate everyday champions," said Mary Hagen, CEO of Colossal. "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."

Learn more at athleteoftheyear.org.

ABOUT COLOSSAL
Colossal is a nationally registered professional fundraiser that inspires people to advocate for themselves and those in need. Through online competitions like Youth Athlete of the Year, participants have the opportunity to make their mark while also making a big impact. Colossal competitions serve as fundraising campaigns for DTCare, a United States 501(c)(3) public charity organization, which then grants donation funds to specified charities at the completion of the competitions. Learn more at colossal.org. Who's Next?

Media contact: pr@colossal.org

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SOURCE COLOSSAL