NEDERLAND - Gavin Coombs was a professional runner when he moved himself and his family to Nederland. The small-town feel and towering mountains of the area led them to stick around. About six years later, Coombs owns and operates a non-profit, the Peak to Peak Endurance Foundation.
In the past, Coombs has worked with plenty of nonprofits, such as one for after-school programming. Naturally, he keeps an eye out for community needs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Coombs enrolled his son in hockey and other sports. As he became acquainted with local families, he noticed the lack of focused youth sports programming in Nederland. From these concerns, Peak to Peak Endurance was born and launched in 2023.
Peak to Peak Endurance is centered on Nederland, but also serves youth in the greater region. Youth from Estes Park to Central City are encouraged to join in on the fun. The organization solely concentrates on developing high-quality and affordable youth sports programs. They target all youth, but focus on ages 14 and under.
“Because we're able to focus specifically on youth sports, we are a little bit better situated than maybe some others to be able to run some of these programs,” Coombs said.
Peak to Peak Endurance’s first project was the launch of Ned Shred MTB, a free program that provides mountain biking opportunities to youth in Nederland. They partnered with Nederland Elementary PTA and Single Track Mountain Biking Adventures. As part of the program, elementary school students can borrow a bike and receive professional instruction.
Coombs feels that affordable and high quality programming should not be mutually exclusive. In addition to Ned Shred MTB, Peak to Peak Endurance runs three other inexpensive programs: basketball, soccer, and hockey. Scholarships are available -- no questions asked -- for those who wish to enroll. All prospective players must do is click a button, get a code, and receive free entry.
Unquestioned scholarships and free mountain bike access beg the question: How are these programs so affordable? According to Coombs, it is a community effort. A good amount of support comes from fundraising, grants, and volunteers for the program.
“We don't make really any money on any of these programs that we run,” Coombs said. “We keep the pricing as affordable as we can.”
Peak to Peak Endurance now operates programs, like the Nederland Youth Hockey Association, that have been around for decades. Coombs acknowledges the great work they have done, and hopes only to improve upon the foundation previously built. Before Peak to Peak Endurance, Coombs feels, the programs were disjointed and did not work well together. Having all the programs under one umbrella organization makes it easier for funding and registration processes.
For now, Coombs is happy growing and improving current programs. There are no plans for expansion, but the organization is always open to new ideas. Their development is determined by whether there is a need and an ability to make it happen.
With new change comes new improvement. Programs now run more smoothly and foster longevity. Coombs enjoys helping create a vibrant and thriving community.
“When I get to go watch my kids play soccer and see 120 Ned kids playing soccer on a Saturday, it's just really cool to see,” Coombs said. “I'm just really proud that we are able to make sure that these programs keep going. I think it's just been a cool thing to be a part of.”
