Each year on World Mental Health Day, we pause to reflect on the intersection of wellness, community, and the role of sport in shaping healthier lives. At the Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation (UOLF), our mission is not only to foster athletic excellence but to strengthen resilience, belonging, and well-being across Utah communities. In a state where mental health challenges remain alarmingly prevalent, this mission carries profound urgency. 

Mental Health in Utah: A Stark Reality 

Utah’s natural landscapes are a source of pride and identity. Yet behind this beauty lies a sobering truth: our state faces some of the highest rates of depression and anxiety in the nation. Nearly one in five Utahns report symptoms of depression or anxiety, and more than a quarter of adults have been formally diagnosed with a depressive disorder—well above national averages. Rates are notably higher among women and disproportionately impact individuals in lower-income households and rural areas. 

These conditions too often culminate in tragedy. From 2021 to 2023, the age-adjusted suicide rate in Utah was 20.93 per 100,000 persons, with an average of 685 suicide deaths per year. In 2023, there were 696 suicide deaths statewide. Youth are particularly at risk: over 40% of adolescents report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, and far too many have seriously considered or attempted suicide. 

These statistics underscore an urgent reality: mental health is not a peripheral issue. It is central to the health of Utah’s communities and families. 

Youth Sports and Mental Well-Being 

Youth sports have traditionally been viewed as a vehicle for physical development, discipline, and teamwork. Increasingly, however, research highlights the powerful connection between athletic participation and mental health outcomes. Children involved in team sports report about a 10% lower rate of anxious or depressed symptoms and a 19% lower rate of withdrawal and depression compared to non-athletes. Another large study published in BMJ found that organized sports can reduce the risk of anxiety by 14%–21% and depression by 19–35%, for boys and girls. Kids who stay engaged in sports are also less likely to experiment with risky behaviors like tobacco and drug use. 

The benefits extend beyond physiology. While exercise releases endorphins that reduce stress, participation in organized sports also creates social bonds that foster belonging and resilience. This sense of connection serves as a critical protective factor against isolation, which is strongly correlated with depression and suicidal ideation. 

Several studies reinforce these findings: 

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that children who engage in regular exercise demonstrate improved mood and academic performance. 
• Research published in The Sport Journal indicates that adolescents who participate in sports report higher self-esteem and lower stress levels compared to their non-athlete peers. 
• Mental health organizations emphasize that the social support systems play a decisive role in helping youth manage psychological challenges. 

These data points collectively illustrate how participation in sport provides not only immediate psychological benefits but also cultivates lifelong habits of resilience and self-care. 

Building Community Through Sport 

At UOLF, we witness these benefits daily. Whether it is a student learning to cross-country ski at Soldier Hollow, a teenager lacing up skates for the first time at the Utah Olympic Oval, or a family discovering outdoor recreation at Utah Olympic Park, the outcomes extend far beyond physical skill. They involve connection, confidence, and community. 

The lessons of sport—discipline, goal-setting, communication, and emotional resilience—translate directly into life skills. They equip young people to navigate both achievement and adversity. Moreover, structured athletic environments offer consistency and mentorship, which are particularly valuable for youth experiencing instability or stress in other areas of life. 

In this way, sport becomes not just an outlet for physical energy but a framework for personal growth, psychological well-being, and community health. 

Moving Forward Together 

On this World Mental Health Day, we recognize that statistics alone cannot tell the full story. Behind every data point is a neighbor, a classmate, a teammate, or a family member. The losses we face are real, but so too is the hope we can create by investing in programs that combine physical activity, community, and mental health awareness. 

At UOLF, our commitment is clear: to build spaces where all Utahns can participate, belong, and thrive. Because when we move together, we heal together. And when we create communities grounded in connection, the legacy we leave extends far beyond podiums or medals—it is a legacy of resilience and hope.

When people think of the Olympics, they often picture the roar of the crowd, the shine of a medal, or athletes performing on the world stage. Yet the true spirit of the Games lives on far beyond those moments. At the Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation (UOLF), the Olympic and Paralympic values of Excellence, Courage, and Equity guide our work each day. They are present in our programs, in our venues, and in the communities we serve. 

These values are not abstract ideas. They are lived experiences for the young skier testing new skills at Soldier Hollow, the aerialist at Utah Olympic Park launching high into the air, and the skater at the Oval who feels welcomed into sport for the very first time. Through them, we see the power of sport to inspire growth, foster community, and build resilience. 

Excellence Every Day, On and Off the Podium 

Excellence is not perfection but the pursuit of continual improvement. At UOLF, we see this truth reflected every day in young athletes and seasoned competitors alike. Each year, tens of thousands of youth participate in programs across our venues. They come not only to learn how to ski, skate, or jump but to discover persistence, goal-setting, and pride in effort. A child who manages to complete their first ski loop at Soldier Hollow or skate a full lap at the Oval demonstrates excellence just as profoundly as an Olympian breaking a world record. 

The Utah Olympic Oval remains a symbol of excellence in sport. Known as the “Fastest Ice on Earth,” it has hosted more than 100 world records and continues to provide athletes with a surface worthy of their highest aspirations. Excellence here is not limited to athletes at the top of their game. It extends to coaches, staff, and volunteers who ensure the environment fosters achievement at every level. 

Excellence also resonates throughout Utah’s communities. Between 2019 and 2023, UOLF contributed an average of $132 million annually to the state’s economy while driving a 67 percent growth in youth sport participation. These figures reflect not only world-class facilities but also a thriving culture of sport that shapes healthier, stronger, and more resilient communities. 

Courage: Taking Flight at Utah Olympic Park 

Few moments capture the essence of courage more vividly than those of the aerialists at Utah Olympic Park. High above the ground, they twist, spin, and soar before landing with precision. The courage required to launch off those ramps is immense. It demands trust in training, a willingness to risk failure, and a deep belief in oneself. Each flight is a testament to the Olympic value of courage and a reminder that greatness often begins with daring to leap. 

This same spirit fills the air during the many international competitions hosted across UOLF venues each year. More than 40 annual events bring the world’s best athletes to Utah, challenging them to perform on some of the most visible stages of their careers. In those moments, courage is not simply about skill but about the ability to step forward under immense pressure. Athletes know that every performance could bring triumph or disappointment, yet they still put everything on the line before a global audience. 

Sport itself teaches this lesson in courage. To train and compete is to push past limits, whether it is a skater chasing another lap, a skier climbing one more hill, or an aerialist attempting a trick that once felt impossible. At Utah Olympic Park, it might be a child taking their first jump into the pool during summer aerial camps or a teenager daring to ski a steeper slope. Courage is not the absence of fear but the willingness to test boundaries, proving that the Olympic spirit is alive in every individual who chooses to try. 

Stepping Beyond Comfort Zones: Discoveries at Soldier Hollow 

Soldier Hollow Nordic Center offers some of the most striking examples of what it means to step beyond a comfort zone. Hundreds of schoolchildren arrive each winter, many of them new to skiing. They begin cautiously, holding tightly to the fence or moving tentatively across the snow. Some are nervous about falling, while others wonder if they belong on the trails at all. Yet with encouragement, hesitation gives way to movement, and movement soon becomes exhilaration. By the end of the day, those same students are laughing, racing their friends, and proud of what they achieved. 

This process of discovery is what makes Soldier Hollow such a powerful teaching ground for resilience. The lessons learned on the trails extend far beyond skiing. Students discover that growth is often uncomfortable, that failure is part of learning, and that confidence is built one small victory at a time. Sport pushes them to go farther than they thought possible, showing that limits can always be stretched. 

Soldier Hollow’s impact is magnified through scale and consistency. Programs like PE Days engage hundreds of students annually, while after-school programs such as Team Soldier Hollow build on those first experiences. By helping young people embrace challenge, Soldier Hollow ensures that stepping beyond a comfort zone becomes not just a day’s activity, but a lifelong skill. 

Equity: Opportunity at the Utah Olympic Oval 

Equity lies at the heart of UOLF’s mission. At the Oval in Kearns, families from every background lace up skates and step onto the same ice where world records are set. Some children arrive with experience, others are just learning, yet all are welcomed with the same chance to succeed. The Oval is more than a venue for competition. It is a place where equity takes shape, ensuring that every individual has the tools and support they need to thrive. 

Through our Healthy Communities and Scholarship programs, UOLF supports over 3,300 disadvantaged youth annually across Utah. From 2019 to 2023, more than $473,000 in scholarships and subsidies removed barriers to participation and promoted healthy, active lifestyles. These investments in equity improve youth mental well-being and create opportunities for thousands of children who might otherwise never experience sport. 

The impact is deeply personal. As Paige Mangum, mother of Ezra, reflected: “I will forever be grateful for the kindness from the speedskating community because it was love from the athletes and coaches at the Utah Olympic Oval that gave him the gift of dreaming and the knowledge that all things are possible.” Her words capture the transformative power of equity in action, where access to sport becomes access to hope.

Community Stories: Living the Values 

The values of the Games are not confined to slogans or ceremonies. They are lived out every day in our venues and programs. At Soldier Hollow, a nervous student learns to glide without holding onto the fence, discovering pride in their own perseverance. At Utah Olympic Park, an aerialist conquers fear in midair, proving that courage and confidence are built one jump at a time. At the Oval, a skater experiences for the first time what it feels like to belong in sport, regardless of background or ability. 

These stories are personal, but they are also supported by the numbers. Nine out of ten parents report that their child shows greater confidence after completing a UOLF program. Seventy percent of Team Soldier Hollow youth athletes say they are more likely to remain active in sports after participating. Volunteer retention remains high, with more than 60 percent returning each year, showing that the values of sport inspire not only athletes but entire communities. 

Together, these stories and statistics form a picture of values in action. They demonstrate that the Olympic and Paralympic spirit is not reserved for Games years or international stages, but is lived every day in Utah. Through excellence, courage, and equity, ordinary moments become extraordinary, shaping the future of both individuals and communities. 

Utah as a Model of Olympic Spirit 

The 2002 Winter Games gave Utah a legacy that continues to flourish. Today, that legacy is more than history. It is alive in healthier lifestyles, stronger leadership skills among youth, and a culture of inclusivity that grows stronger each year. Utah consistently ranks among the top five states in the nation for youth sport participation, supported by programs at Olympic legacy venues. 

That legacy is also visible in the athletes themselves. Since 2002, Utah has produced more than 60 Olympians and Paralympians, many of whom trained at UOLF facilities. They carry the lessons learned on Utah’s ice, snow, and ramps into global arenas, proving that the investment in sport at home echoes across the world. 

Beyond athletes, the legacy shows up in visitors. Each year, more than one million people walk through our doors, skating laps, skiing trails, watching competitions, or simply enjoying the environment where Olympic history was made. As Utah looks toward 2034 and beyond, it stands not only as a host for the Games but as a model of what it means to live Olympic values daily. 

Be Part of the Legacy 

The Olympic values are not reserved for athletes on the podium. They belong to everyone. Parents who enroll a child in a youth sport program, families who attend competitions, and community members who cheer from the sidelines all contribute to this living legacy. 

When Utahns embrace excellence, courage, and equity, they strengthen not only the Olympic movement but also the communities we call home. The spirit of the Games is alive here, woven into classrooms, ski trails, ice rinks, and families across the state. It is a spirit that will carry forward, growing stronger with every generation that discovers what is possible when values are put into action. 

The story of Utah’s Olympic legacy is not simply about a single event in 2002 but about decades of planning, investment, and stewardship that have positioned the state as a trusted global leader in winter sport. What began as an ambitious vision has become a model of how Olympic infrastructure can serve both international sport and local communities long after the closing ceremonies. 

Utah’s journey toward hosting the Games began in the early 1970s, when Colorado voters rejected a bond to fund the 1976 Winter Olympics. That decision shifted attention westward, and leaders in Salt Lake City recognized the opportunity to build Utah into America’s winter sports capital. In 1989, Utahns demonstrated their commitment by approving a statewide bond that funded the construction of facilities designed to attract world-class competition and athlete training. By 1994, the Utah Winter Sports Park, the Ogden Ice Sheet, and the Kearns Oval were under construction, establishing the state’s permanent Olympic infrastructure. In 1995, the International Olympic Committee awarded Salt Lake City the 2002 Winter Games, marking the culmination of years of strategic preparation. 

The 2002 Games arrived at a moment of global uncertainty. Staged only months after the attacks of September 11, they provided a rare occasion for unity and resilience. The Games elevated Utah’s international profile, delivered critical infrastructure upgrades, and produced a financial surplus of 160 million dollars. That surplus seeded the Legacy Fund, repaid state contributions, and secured permanent ownership of the Utah Olympic Park and the Utah Olympic Oval. The Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation was established to steward these venues and ensure that the legacy of the Games would endure. 

Over the past two decades, that responsibility has been transformed into opportunity. The Foundation has preserved these world-class facilities and expanded their reach, turning them into year-round centers for recreation, athlete development, and community engagement. Today the venues are regarded among the best in the world, providing international federations with confidence that Utah can once again host the Games without the risks and costs of building from scratch. Every competition venue needed for the 2034 Games already exists, has been modernized, and is in active use. This reality reflects not only sustainability and fiscal responsibility but also alignment with the International Olympic Committee’s priorities under Olympic Agenda 2020 and 2020+5. 

The scale of the Foundation’s impact is both economic and social. Annual spending by UOLF and visitors to the venues supports more than one thousand jobs, contributes seventy-eight million dollars to Utah’s GDP, and generates one hundred thirty-two million dollars in total industry output. In 2023 alone, out-of-state visitors spent nearly twelve million dollars while training, competing, and attending events. Venue utilization is now four times higher than in the years immediately following 2002, a clear indicator of Utah’s success in sustaining and expanding the value of its Olympic infrastructure. 

At the same time, the Foundation has embedded the Olympic spirit into the fabric of Utah’s communities. Nearly 2,500 young people participate in UOLF programs each year, with more than half coming from economically disadvantaged households and nearly half representing diverse backgrounds. Subsidized access ensures that sport is available to all children, not just those with financial means. Community events, volunteer opportunities, and recreational programs provide additional pathways for Utahns to engage with the Olympic legacy in their daily lives. 

For the International Olympic Committee, Utah’s proven stewardship was one of the most persuasive arguments in awarding the 2034 Winter Games to Salt Lake City. The state has demonstrated that the 2002 Games were not an isolated achievement but the foundation of a lasting legacy. By maintaining and modernizing venues, embedding them into community life, and showing consistent fiscal responsibility, Utah has proven that it is capable of hosting the Games again in a manner that is both sustainable and inspiring. 

The 2034 bid was never only about hosting another Games. It was about showing how careful preservation and purposeful use of Olympic investments can generate long-term economic growth, community engagement, and international trust. The Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation has been at the center of that effort, ensuring that the flame of 2002 has never gone out. As the state prepares to welcome the world again in less than a decade, Utah’s living Olympic legacy stands as one of the most compelling success stories in modern Olympic history. 

At the Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation, we believe the Olympic Games are more than a two-
week event. They leave behind world-class venues and a responsibility to ensure those venues
continue to serve both Utahns and visitors from around the globe. Since 2002, our work has
focused on turning that responsibility into opportunity—creating spaces that strengthen our
economy, elevate sport, and enrich communities.

Today, the Utah Olympic Oval, Utah Olympic Park, and Soldier Hollow Nordic Center stand as
living examples of what an Olympic legacy can mean. These venues are not only training
grounds for elite athletes but also community hubs where families skate, children learn to ski,
and volunteers come together to support local and international events. We are proud that these
spaces are as vital today as they were when the Olympic flame first lit them more than two
decades ago.

The impact is clear. According to a recent study by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, our
work combined with visitor spending at the venues supports over 1,000 jobs, generates
seventy-eight million dollars in annual GDP, and contributes one hundred thirty-two million
dollars in overall industry output each year. Visitors to our venues spent nearly twelve million
dollars in 2023, fueling local businesses in accommodations, food, transportation, and
recreation. These numbers remind us that preserving Utah’s Olympic legacy is not just about
sport—it is also about sustaining livelihoods and strengthening Utah’s economy.

The community benefits extend well beyond economics. In fiscal year 2023, our venues hosted
more than 140,000 athlete training days and welcomed over 90,000 out-of-state visitors. At the
same time, our programs and events provided opportunities for Utahns of all ages and abilities
to connect, play, and grow. Whether it is a child discovering a love for sport, a family attending a
community event, or volunteers working side by side, these experiences are at the heart of our
mission.

As we prepare for the return of the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in 2034, we remain
committed to ensuring Utah’s venues are ready for the world stage while staying rooted in
community. Our legacy is not only about maintaining facilities; it is about making them vibrant,
accessible, and impactful for generations to come.

The Games may come once every few decades, but the legacy lives on every day—and it is our
honor to carry it forward.

At the Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation (UOLF), our mission goes beyond maintaining world-class Olympic venues. We are dedicated to building healthier, stronger communities through our Healthy Communities program. It is our mission to connect youth across Utah with opportunities to participate in sports, discover their potential, and develop lifelong habits of activity and wellness. We believe that every child deserves the chance to play, grow, and thrive through sport. 

This week, as our neighbors at Park City High School celebrate Homecoming, we are reminded of the central role sports play in bringing young people, families, and communities together. From the Friday night lights to Olympic ice and snow, sport unites us, teaches life lessons, and creates lasting opportunities for health and growth. That’s why we’re proud to spotlight the many proven benefits of youth sports. 

This belief aligns closely with the National Youth Sports Strategy, which aims to unite U.S. youth sports culture around a shared vision: that one day, all youth will have the opportunity, motivation, and access to play sports—no matter their race, gender, ability, or ZIP code. 

But why does youth sports access matter so much? Research shows that participating in sports delivers benefits that extend far beyond the field. These benefits touch every part of life—mental and physical health, academics and careers, lifelong habits, and even our communities and economy. 

Stronger Minds, Healthier Hearts 

Parents already know the value of sports. In fact, 73% of parents believe sports improve their child’s mental health, and the data proves them right. A 2022 report from the U.S. President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition found that youth sports participation is linked to lower rates of anxiety and depression, less stress, higher self-esteem, reduced suicidal thoughts, and lower substance use.  

Recent studies confirm these benefits. Children involved in team sports report about a 10% lower rate of anxious or depressed symptoms and a 19% lower rate of withdrawal and depression compared to non-athletes. Another large study published in BMJ found that organized sports can reduce the risk of anxiety by 14%–21% and depression by 19–35%, for boys and girls. Kids who stay engaged in sports are also less likely to experiment with risky behaviors like tobacco and drug use. 

For children with disabilities, the benefits are equally powerful. Adaptive and inclusive sports have been shown to improve emotional well-being, social connection, and life satisfaction  

On the physical side, 88% of parents recognize the health benefits of youth sports. The evidence backs them up: regular participation supports a healthy weight, stronger bones, and better cardiovascular fitness, while also lowering the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers. Studies even show that active youth are 20% less likely to be overweight or obese than their peers. It goes without question that kids who play sports are more active, healthier, and enjoy a better quality of life in their youth and into adulthood. 

Better Students, Stronger Leaders 

Sports do not just shape athletes; they shape scholars and leaders. A study of over 4,200 students found that kids who regularly participate in sports tend to test better, have higher school attendance, and have a greater likelihood of being accepted into university. 

Sports also instill critical life skills like time management, discipline, and goal setting. An Ohio State University study found that 34% of youth who played organized sports scored high on “grit”—a measure of resilience and perseverance—compared to 23% of non-participants. These are the very traits that translate into leadership, in the classroom and later in careers and communities. 

Building Skills for School and Career 

Sports provide life lessons that reach far beyond the game. More than 50% of parents believe sports benefit their child academically, and 80% say sports instill discipline, dedication, and teamwork. 

The evidence is clear: sports participation is linked to stronger social skills, leadership qualities, and academic achievement. High school athletes are more likely to graduate, attend college, and persist through higher education. They also report higher levels of perseverance and problem-solving, skills that prepare them for success in every aspect of life. 

Sports also cultivate leadership in measurable ways. Research by the NCAA and Gallup found that 55% of student-athletes reported serving in leadership roles during college—such as being a team captain, leading student government, or running campus clubs—compared to 31% of their non-athlete peers. 

For women, the connection is even more striking. A joint study commissioned by Earnst and Young and espnW  revealed that 80% of female Fortune 500 executives played sports earlier in life, and 94% of women in the C-suite reported having participated in sports at some point. A recent Deloitte survey went further, showing that 69% of women earning over $100,000 annually in leadership roles reported playing competitive sports, and 85% said those athletic experiences directly contributed to their career success. 

These findings highlight what parents and coaches already see on the field: the teamwork, discipline, and resilience kids develop in sports often carry forward into leadership roles in schools, businesses, and communities. 

Sports can be especially impactful for kids of color, who often face greater barriers to participation yet stand to benefit enormously when opportunities exist. A 2021 study found that youth sports promote social and emotional learning especially among young men of color, building skills like confidence, discipline, and the ability to bounce back from setbacks. Additionally, the National Black Sport Participation & Physical Activity Report highlights that Black youth who participate in sports demonstrate higher academic performance, greater social connectedness, and increased access to scholarships and career opportunities. 

Sports are also especially meaningful in Hispanic communities. National survey data shows that about 46.9% of Hispanic children aged 6–17 participated in organized sports in the past year. Subsequently, a study published in the Journal for the Study of Sports and Athletes in Education showed that participation in interscholastic sports was positively associated with higher mathematics scores among Latino students. Families consistently report that sports provide belonging, strengthen school engagement, and open doors for future leadership. Programs that are culturally responsive and financially accessible demonstrate that with the right support, Hispanic youth can and do thrive in sports settings, gaining benefits both inside and outside the classroom. 

Together, these findings show that expanding access to sports is not just about fairness—it’s about unleashing the leadership potential, academic growth, and career readiness of the next generation. 

Habits That Last a Lifetime 

The benefits of youth sports don’t stop when the season ends. Nearly 77% of adults who play sports today began playing as youth. 

Longitudinal studies confirm the lasting impact. Adolescents who play organized sports are 8 times more likely to remain physically active into adulthood than those who don’t participate. A 21-year longitudinal study found that persistent participation in youth sports strongly predicts higher levels of adult activity and better long-term health outcomes. 

This means that when we invest in youth sports today, we’re not just supporting kids in the moment—we’re laying the foundation for a lifetime of health and wellness. 

A Win for Communities and Economies 

When kids play sports, entire communities benefit. Active youth grow into healthier adults, reducing long-term health care costs and strengthening the workforce. A study from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that simply increasing the percentage of U.S. children ages 8–11 who get 25 minutes of physical activity three times per week from 32% to 50% would avert $21.9 billion in medical costs and lost wages over their lifetimes. 

The study also showed that if kids met the same activity guidelines, the U.S. would see 1.2 million fewer overweight or obese youth and avoid $62.3 billion in medical costs and lost wages for just that one cohort of kids. Since a new group of children enters that age range each year, the potential savings grow even larger. As lead researcher Dr. Bruce Y. Lee noted, “Encouraging exercise and investing in physical activity such as school recess and youth sports leagues when kids are young pays big dividends as they grow up.” 

Youth sports also strengthen economies. By building stronger, healthier kids, we’re also building a stronger workforce. Studies link physical activity to higher productivity, lower absenteeism, and longer career participation. 

Youth sports are more than games. They are investments in the health, well-being, and future of our children, our families, and our state. At UOLF, we remain committed to preserving world-class venues and programs that ensure every child has the chance to experience these benefits—because when kids play, Utah wins.