Runyon Sports Complex receives $5,000 donation for youth sports gear

A $5,000 gift from the James S. Kunzman Foundation was announced at a Pueblo clinic attended by more than 400 children, to help purchase shared equipment and support youth baseball and softball programs.

More than 400 children attended a baseball and softball clinic at the Runyon Sports Complex in Pueblo, Colorado, where a $5,000 donation was announced. The gift was made by Sam Kunzman on behalf of the James S. Kunzman Foundation. CSU Pueblo's baseball team led skills sessions ahead of the ThunderWolves' annual Pack the Park game. Runyon general manager Larry Romero said the complex welcomes about 2,500 young participants each week and serves as a landing spot for local youth. Key details: - A $5,000 donation was made by Sam Kunzman on behalf of the James S. Kunzman Foundation. - More than 400 children took part in the clinic led by the CSU Pueblo baseball team. - Runyon Sports Complex hosts roughly 2,500 young participants weekly, according to general manager Larry Romero. - A parent said families can face equipment and league costs of about $400 to $500 per child. - Romero said the funds will buy gear for eight- and nine-year-old teams, including catchers' equipment, bats, helmets and bags, and he expects the gear to last two to three seasons. - Some of the donation will also be set aside to support additional free youth clinics in the future. Summary: The $5,000 donation is intended to reduce equipment needs for young baseball and softball players and to support free clinics. Runyon leaders said the money will purchase shared gear for eight- and nine-year-old teams and that some funds will be reserved for future clinics. Officials expect the purchased equipment to be used for two to three seasons.