Air O Sport Foundation and RiseUP: Making Room for Everyone to Play
A community activity should offer more than a place to watch. It should give people ways to take part, contribute, and enjoy the experience. That is the connection we are exploring with Air O Sport Foundation, one of our RiseUP Elevation Challenge partners for September 2026.
The partnership introduces a play-focused organization to the RiseUP community and invites its supporters into our month-long movement and fundraising campaign. You do not need to be a competitive athlete to value an activity that makes more people feel welcome.
Meet Air O Sport Foundation
Air O Sport Foundation is a Colorado Springs-based nonprofit centered on intentional play and human connection. Its website describes initiatives including Play It Forward Day, an adaptive-community No Limits Tour, and Operation Play It Forward for military and veteran communities.
The foundation’s public message is about creating opportunities for people to be part of the experience, not left on the sidelines. Visit its website for current program information and ways to support that mission.
The related Air O Sport game website explains the sport and equipment. These two links serve different purposes: one introduces the foundation’s charitable work, and the other helps readers understand the game. Buying equipment is not the same as donating through the RiseUP campaign.
Why play belongs in an inclusion conversation
At RiseUP, we believe participation should reflect a person’s interests and strengths. For young people, RiseUP School in Colorado Springs connects individualized education with social and practical life skills. Our adult programs extend that focus into community life and other everyday goals.
Play is one setting where a community can ask useful questions. Who has a role? What would make an activity easier to join? Can someone contribute without following the same approach as everyone else? These are questions for thoughtful planning, not assumptions about what any individual can or cannot do.
The Elevation Challenge partnership gives both communities an opportunity to learn about one another. It is not an announcement that RiseUP operates Air O Sport Foundation’s programs, or that the foundation provides RiseUP’s educational services.
Give your September movement a purpose
The RiseUP Elevation Challenge runs September 1-30, 2026. Participants work toward 5,000 feet of elevation or 15 miles of distance, following the campaign’s activity and accessibility guidance. Walk, hike, run, climb, stroll, or roll over the course of the month.
Select Air O Sport Foundation from the participating nonprofit options when registering. Half of the proceeds raised through your participant fundraising page support the nonprofit you choose.
As you take part, track the actual elevation or distance that applies to your challenge. Use the campaign’s activity guidance when recording progress, and keep your movement updates connected to the reason you are fundraising.
Invite your community to join the purpose
A family, workplace, or recreation group could create a team and explain why inclusive participation matters to them. Each person can choose an appropriate way to move or support the campaign. Keep the invitation voluntary and make room for people who would rather donate, share, or cheer on a friend.
Your page could connect a personal movement goal with a simple idea: community activities should offer meaningful roles for more people. Add your fundraising link, share progress, and thank supporters for whichever form of help they choose.
Our fundraising and outreach tips can help you plan those messages. You can also introduce the foundation through its own website so people can learn about its work directly.
Help more people find their place
From Colorado Springs to Denver and beyond, the challenge is an invitation to combine a personal goal with community support. No activity goal is required to donate to a fundraiser or pass its story along.
Learn about Air O Sport Foundation and explore the RiseUP Elevation Challenge. The next meaningful contribution might be a mile, a donation, or an invitation that helps someone feel part of the group.
