The United States Second Lady Usha Vance visited the US Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs with a focus on promoting childhood literacy and encouraging students to stay engaged with reading during the summer break. The visit combined sports culture with education outreach, aiming to address the issue of summer learning loss among schoolchildren.
During the event, Usha Vance took part in a reading session alongside Olympian and multiple-time world champion wrestler Adeline Gray. They read the children’s book If You Can Dream It, Be It, authored by Team USA bobsled athlete Riley Tejcek, to a group of local students who attended the program at the training facility.
Usha Vance described the visit as an inspiring experience, noting that the Olympic training environment represents excellence, discipline, and ambition. She emphasized that athletes from Team USA serve as strong role models for children and that initiatives like these help motivate young minds to pursue their potential both academically and personally.
The Second Lady also highlighted her Summer Reading Challenge, a literacy-focused initiative designed to reduce learning loss that often occurs during long school vacations. The program encourages students to continue reading outside the classroom, helping them maintain academic skills over the break.
Adeline Gray shared that the event successfully brought together two powerful influences in children’s lives—sports and reading. She explained that exposing children to elite athletes while also encouraging reading habits can inspire curiosity, discipline, and long-term personal growth.
The US Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs is a major hub for American athletes preparing for international competitions, including future Olympic and Paralympic Games. The facility regularly hosts top-tier competitors representing Team USA across multiple sports disciplines.
Usha Vance has made literacy advocacy a consistent part of her public engagements. Earlier this year, she visited a charter school in Florida where she read to students and worked with educators on strategies to reduce summer learning loss. She has also launched a podcast titled Storytime with the Second Lady, where public figures and athletes read children’s books to inspire young audiences.
Her ongoing efforts reflect a broader focus on education and youth development, while also reinforcing support for American athletes. She has previously attended major international sporting events alongside Vice President JD Vance, further linking her public role with education and sports engagement initiatives.
