– Hi, I’m Isabella Janney with the Colorado Springs Daily and today is July 10th, 2020. Our first segment today, we’ll talk about the Olympic Museum opening up. Our second story today is about a petition to change Cheyenne Mountain High School’s mascot. And, our last story of the day is about a Backpack Bash.
– Our first story brings is about the first and only United States Olympic and Paralympic Museum, located in downtown Colorado Springs. The museum was supposed to open by Memorial Day, but the new opening date is set for the end of July 30th and there are different safety and social distancing measures in place. These safety measures include hand sanitizer stations and timed ticketing to control the number of guests allowed in the building. The museum features high-tech exhibits honoring the history of the United States Olympic and Paralympic movement, while celebrating the achievements of its athletes. There will be 12 galleries featured in the museum that will go through an Olympic or Paralympic athlete’s journey. In one exhibit, you’ll get to see different Olympic torches up close. The $90 million, 60,000 square foot museum is part of an initiative called [City for Champions](https://www.visitcos.com/about-cvb/about-colorado-springs/city-for-champions/#:~:text=City%20for%20Champions%20is%20a,and%20the%20State%20of%20Colorado.), which aims to attract visitors to the City of Colorado Springs and the State of Colorado with unique venues. The museum will also have a space for special events and Olympic gatherings. Tickets are going on sale on July 22nd.
– [https://www.koaa.com/news/covering-colorado/us-olympic-and-paralympic-museum-sets-opening-date-for-end-of-july](https://www.koaa.com/news/covering-colorado/us-olympic-and-paralympic-museum-sets-opening-date-for-end-of-july)
– Our second story today is about a petition to change the Cheyenne Mountain High School’s Indian mascot. The petition has gained more than 2,500 signatures since it was created four days ago. The petition reads: “In light of the current national dialogue surrounding racial injustice, diversity, equity, and inclusion, it is time for Cheyenne Mountain High School to take accountability and reopen a discussion about the removal and replacement of the ‘Indian’ as its mascot. CMHS’s ‘Indian’ mascot is a harmful reminder of the oppression and marginalization of Native Americans that exists today. It is a dehumanization of culture in an academic setting where students of all backgrounds should feel worthy and safe. We need to unite together to end the racial discrimination scarring our community by removing a symbol that trivializes indigenous people, their personhood, their cultures, and the trauma they’ve endured at the hand of colonialism and white supremacy.”
– [https://krdo.com/news/2020/07/20/thousands-sign-petition-to-change-cheyenne-mountain-high-schools-indian-mascot/](https://krdo.com/news/2020/07/20/thousands-sign-petition-to-change-cheyenne-mountain-high-schools-indian-mascot/)
– Our last story of today is about Pikes Peak United Way and COSILoveYou teaming up over the next month to equip 10,000 kids in El Paso County with backpacks full of school supplies. On two days in August, the free backpacks will be distributed to any child – from preschool to high school – for free! Donated items will be collected over a three-week period at locations across the Pikes Peak region. 16 sites are collecting backpacks and supplies, including 10 Walmart locations. Donations are needed and all donated items must be new. Backpacks will be stuffed by volunteers after all donations are collected and high priority items needed, including child and adult sized masks. There will be 5 Backpack Bash locations to pick up backpacks and each family is allowed to attend **ONE** Backpack Bash on either Aug 1st or Aug 8th. The student must be present to recieve their free backpack and for your safety, backpacks will be given out via drive thru and everyone is asked t
