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Nuggets Dancers, Rocky Take Part In Denver Pride Parade

June is Pride Month in the United States, and with it comes the annual Pride Parade in Denver on Sunday, June 26. Taking part in the festivities is the You Can Play Project, a KSE partner celebrating their 10th year as an organization.

The You Can Play Project works to ensure the safety and inclusion for all who participate in sports, including LGBTQ+ athletes, coaches and fans, according to their mission statement via their website.

LGBTQ+ participation in sports is an ongoing battle that You Can Play fights for. And according to You Can Play executive director Kurt Weaver, "KSE has been a longtime, and valuable partner for You Can Play."

"Our partnership has seen activities starting with pride nights early on and expanded into education programs for the front office and community surrounding all the KSE teams. KSE's focus on inclusion has also grown through the years of our relationship and become a core value of the organization."

Weaver could not have been more complementary of the work that KSE has done in conjunction with the You Can Play project, including a generous donation that will go towards various educational programs.

"The generous support and gift from&nbsp;KSE will be put to work immediately to support You Can Play's&nbsp;Inclusive Coach, Inclusive Referee and Inclusive Teammate education programs. You Can Play's team is working with high schools and community youth programs to provide these sessions, ensuring local teams and leagues provide inclusive and safe sport opportunities that allow everyone to play."

So when these partners in inclusion meet once again at the Pride Parade in Denver, it will be a symbol of another year creating a better situation for LGBTQ+ athletes.

"The Pride Parade in Denver is a perfect opportunity to celebrate our partnership and the work that KSE and its teams have done throughout the year."

"We take the time to celebrate Denver's local LGBTQ+ community and the organizations like Rainbow Alley, One Colorado Urban Peak; and their vital work in fighting for safe and welcoming spaces, mental health and supporting those in need."

"Marching for the day gives us the chance to gather and share; to see old friends and meet new ones; and most importantly recommit to our shared mission and ongoing work."

To learn more about the You Can Play Project, visit their website at https://www.youcanplayproject.org

To get more details on the weekend's Pride Parade festivities, visit https://denverpride.org/fest/

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KSE Continues Valuable Partnership With You Can Play As Pride Parade Nears

In 2021, Congress passed a bill recognizing Juneteenth as a Federal Holiday. It was a historic moment for one of this nation's most important commemorations. Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration acknowledging the ending of slavery in the United States.&nbsp;

And to celebrate this recognition, JMF Corporation and Mile High Festivals are going bigger than ever before as they prepare for the annual Juneteenth Music Festival taking place in Denver, Colorado's Five Points neighborhood.

Denver’s Juneteenth Music Festival, one of the largest and longest running in the nation, returns on&nbsp;June 18th and 19th&nbsp;with its annual parade and street festival featuring hundreds of vendors, concerts, delicious ethnic food and this year’s headliners&nbsp;Dave East&nbsp;and&nbsp;Twista.

Adding to the celebratory aspects of the festival, the event kicks off with the Juneteenth Parade, a festive march of community and government organizations, social clubs, dance troupes and more representing the historic walk through the streets of the last freed slaves.

Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19th that Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with the news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free.

Note that this was two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation – which had become official January 1, 1863. The Emancipation Proclamation had little impact on Texans due to the minimal number of Union troops to enforce the new Executive Order.

However, with the surrender of General Lee in April of 1865, and the arrival of General Granger’s regiment, the forces were finally strong enough to influence and overcome the resistance.

The historical significance of the Juneteenth holiday simply cannot be overlooked. And yet, for over 150 years, it was. It received Federal Holiday status only last year, 156 years after the final slaves were freed.

This festival does remarkable work remembering the significance of Juneteenth and celebrating its impact on our nation today.

The Denver Nuggets will have their own presence at the festival, with various talent -- including Rocky -- in attendance on Day 1.

Vice President of Community Relations at Kroenke Sports and Entertainment Deb Dowling took pride in the company's involvement. "It is our honor to be involved to celebrate this holiday in the center of Denver’s rich African American historic district."

You can find more information on JMF Corporation, Mile High Festivals, and the Juneteenth Music Festival below:

JMF Corporation is a 501c3 non-profit organization whose mission is to celebrate freedom through community engagement by focusing on the historical significance of Juneteenth. JMF Corporation utilizes its annual music event to promote inclusivity, educational and economic empowerment and support of the humanities.

Mile High Festivals facilitates large scale, outdoor events and provides dynamic festival/concert management and experiential programming solutions. Based in Denver, Colorado, the company is African American owned and has helped produce events such as Juneteenth Music Festival, Five Points Jazz Festival, Truck Stop: Food Truck Rally and more.&nbsp;

RSVP at&nbsp;https://juneteenthmusicfestival2022.eventbrite.com&nbsp;and follow (FB -&nbsp;@JuneteenthMusicFestival&nbsp;IG -&nbsp;@iamjuneteenth) for updates.

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Historic Juneteenth Music Festival Returns To Denver's Five Points

Rocky and a selection of Denver Nuggets Dancers took part in a Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run barbecue on Friday, June 3.

Taking place at the 4Runner South lot at Ball Arena, this event honored those members of law enforcement who were tasked with running the Special Olympics torch from the State Capitol through the 16th Street Mall, eventually finishing near Auraria Parkway.

Over 150 Special Olympics athletes gathered with law enforcement while members of the Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche cheer teams and mascots helped in hosting.

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Rocky, Nuggets Dancers Join Special Olympics Torch Run

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The Denver Nuggets are proud to honor teachers and school administrators in Colorado through the Nuggets Most Valuable Teacher (MVT) program, presented by Ford. The MVT program encourages teachers and school administrators to continually strive for excellency and leadership in their schools by offering a unique experience.

In honor of&nbsp;Teacher Appreciation Week, we’re taking a look back at the six outstanding educators who received the Nuggets MVT award, presented by Ford, this season.&nbsp;

The educators listed below were selected in recognition of their dedication to empower students in our community. Each award winner received a $1,000 classroom improvement grant, a classroom celebration hosted by Nuggets celebrities, 4 tickets to a game, recognition at a game, dinner at Ball Arena, a Nuggets gift bag, and tickets for their students.&nbsp;

Keegan Nadon – William (Bill) Roberts E-8 School&nbsp;

As a P.E. teacher and Athletic Director at William (Bill) Roberts E-8 School, Keegan encourages her students to be the best versions of themselves both in the classroom and on the court. Keegan holds her students and student-athletes to a high standard both as students and athletes. She encourages them to attend every class every day and be a team player both in the classroom and on the playing field.&nbsp;

As a 2nd grade teacher at Sedalia Elementary, Alex takes great pride in working with her students to improve their competency scores and can often be found preparing her classroom and lessons for her students after school. Alex mentors student teachers at her school and was selected by her principal to be on the interview board for new teachers looking to enter the program.&nbsp;

As a Head Start teacher at Clayton Early Learning, Carol has taught hundreds of students over the past 20 years. Carol works to understand the particular circumstances of each child to better develop individualized approaches to learning. Carol makes the most of each child’s early years, laying the foundation for success in school and in life.

DeShon Gray – Farrell B. Howell ECE-8 School

In-Game Recognition: February 8, 2022&nbsp;

DeShon is the Restorative Justice Coordinator, E. Counselor, and Athletic Director at Farrell B. Howell ECE-8 School in Denver. DeShon spends his days directing the students to make positive choices and often guides them to spend their energy playing sports and making the school a better place. DeShon regular assists with after school programming, stepping in for coaches as needed to make sure that students don’t miss out on after school programming.&nbsp;

Kevin Adams – Denver Center for International Studies

Kevin has been a social studies teacher for 15 years, most recently at Denver Center for International Studies. Kevin also takes time to serve as the staff leader of both the Model United Nations Club and Black Student Alliance at DCIS. Kevin works to build community and solidarity among others, promoting an attitude of inquiry, growth, and inclusion. 

Kylie Smith – Hodgkins Leadership Academy

Kylie is a teacher at Hodgkins Leadership Academy and has worked in education for 7 years. Kylie is an advocate for students within special education and always goes the extra mile to ensure that students are successful and feel included. Kylie also takes time to organize monthly school assemblies. These assemblies allow students of all grade levels to participate in activities that build leadership skills while giving them the opportunity to connect with fellow students. ____________________________________________________________________________________

For more information about the Most Valuable Teacher program, presented by Ford, please visit&nbsp;https://www.ksetix.com/nuggets/most-valuable-teacher/

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Nuggets Honor Most Valuable Teachers As Part Of Teacher Appreciation Week

We celebrated Earth Day by hosting our Green Assists Program, Presented by Ball Corporation, at Thornton Middle School and Vicker's Boys and Girls Club. This program helps teach the importance of recycling and sustainability for our children's future!

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Nuggets Green Assists: Earth Day Recap

To commemorate the 75th season in NBA history, the league partnered with its 30 teams for the Legacy Project. As part of this project, the Denver Nuggets helped to renovate the Arthur E. Johnson Boys and Girls Club, located next to Cheltenham Elementary School in Denver.

The NBA donated $25,000 to each of the 30 NBA teams with the express purposes of renovating a local Live, Learn, and Play Center.

"To celebrate the NBA’s 75th&nbsp;season, NBA Cares will continue its mission to use the power of basketball to create a lasting positive impact in communities globally," the NBA stated. "Working alongside each of its teams, the NBA will refurbish and unveil a newly renovated Live, Learn, and Play Center in each local market."

Kroenke Sports Charities matched the $25,000 donation from the NBA, teaming up with Creative Director Kelley Kocher, Morrison Construction, and Direct Edge graphics to completely re-do the Boys and Girls Club's Teen Lounge and Learning Center.

Among the renovations included a brand new 72-inch TV, a PlayStation 5, and all new furniture, as well as computers and printers to go along with Nuggets graphics on the wall. The new graphics on the walls of the Learning Center and Team Lounge match that of the Nuggets weight room.

Johnson Boys and Girls Club Director Steve Kinney praised the Nuggets, NBA, and Kroenke Sports Charities during the live event. “Thank you for all the work you put into the project here at Johnson, we really appreciate it," Kinney said.&nbsp;"It was great working with all of you,&nbsp; I am very grateful for what all of you did for the Johnson Club and the youth that attend.”

Kroenke Sports and Entertainment Vice President of Community Relations Deb Dowling said of the event, “Celebrating the NBA's 75th&nbsp;Anniversary with our Nuggets Legacy Project at Johnson Boys and Girls Club is a wonderful way to commemorate the League’s commitment to community through NBA Cares.&nbsp; Hundreds of Boys and Girls Club members will enjoy the enhanced Learning Center and Teen Lounge for many years to come.&nbsp; It is our privilege to be a small part of their lives.”&nbsp;

Altitude Sports personality Vic Lombardi served as emcee for the event, while Nuggets mascot Rocky and the Nuggets Dancers were in attendance alongside Kroenke Sports and Entertainment CMO Declan Bolger. Among the Boys and Girls Club representatives in attendance were CEO Erin Porteus and member Raylynn.

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Nuggets Unveil Boys And Girls Club Renovations As Part Of NBA Legacy Project

Presented by

Western Union

Come out to the Denver Nuggets 2022-23 Draft Party Thursday, June 23rd @ 6:00 p.m. at Tom's Watch Bar, presented by Miller Lite! 

Watch your Denver Nuggets make their pick, win team signed gear, and meet Super Mascot Rocky! For more information <a href="https://www.nba.com/nuggets/watch-parties">Click Here</a>