Second Lady Usha Vance visited the US Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs to promote childhood literacy. She encouraged children to read during the summer break alongside Team USA athletes. Vance, joined by Olympian Adeline Gray, read to local students as part of her Summer Reading Challenge initiative aimed at combating summer learning loss.
The event combined the influences of sports and reading in children’s lives, as highlighted by Gray. She emphasized the importance of inspiring kids to dream big and develop a love for both sport and reading. The Colorado Springs facility, a training base for many American Olympic and Paralympic athletes, hosted the visit.
Usha Vance has prioritized literacy in her public engagements, including visits to schools and the launch of a podcast called “Storytime with the Second Lady.” The podcast features celebrities reading children’s books, with recent guests including Paralympic medallist Brent Poppen and NASCAR driver Danica Patrick. Vance’s support for Team USA athletes was also evident during her visit to Milan for the 2026 Olympic Winter Games.
Educators in the United States are concerned about summer learning loss and often use reading programs to help students maintain literacy skills during extended breaks. Colorado Springs, known for its elite sports facilities, plays a crucial role in training athletes for international competitions, including the Olympics and Paralympics.
