Colorado Rapids Unveil ‘New Day’ Jersey in Support of Mental Health in Colorado

February 15, 2023 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – Colorado Rapids News Release

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – The Colorado Rapids unveiled today the New Day Kit, the club’s secondary jersey for the 2023-24 Major League Soccer seasons.

Co-designed by Denver-based artist Pat Milbery, the New Day Kit features a bright, geometric design inspired by Colorado’s sunrises and sunsets, along with Milbery’s distinct street art style. As part of the New Day Kit’s launch, the Rapids are partnering with Mental Health Colorado (MHC) and UCHealth to bring attention to the current mental health crisis in Colorado, reduce the stigma of seeking help and amplify awareness of public resources. The club will support mental health initiatives throughout the year, while also donating a combined $25,000 to various nonprofits serving mental health needs in the state, including MHC.

“In our drive to be the heartbeat of sport in Colorado, we are proud to work with a local artist in Pat Milbery on this kit launch, and even more importantly, to raise awareness and help tackle a significant issue facing our community as a whole,” said Wayne Brant, Colorado Rapids Sr. Vice President of Business Operations. “With the New Day Kit, we see an opportunity to once again connect directly with our state by using Colorado’s stunning landscape as the inspiration for the jersey, while working with our local partners to bring attention to a mental health crisis that effects so many. We hope this can help change the perception around a topic that is affecting our friends, families and neighbors, and help shine light on a pathway to a brighter, new day.”

“Mental Health Colorado’s partnership with the Rapids will accelerate and energize Coloradans’ understanding that when we commit as a team to making our health of mind a priority, all Coloradans will feel better and experience wins across their lifespan,” said Vincent Atchity, president & CEO of Mental Health Colorado. Play matters. Teams matter. Moving our bodies matters. Well-being is something we can make together.”

“Decreasing the stigma around mental health care is critically important,” said Dr. Justin Ross, licensed clinical psychologist and UCHealth’s Director of Workplace Well-being. “Whole person well-being requires that we address mental health in a proactive and sustainable way. UCHealth is working to provide outreach and education surrounding common mental health concerns and strategies to maintain well-being while simultaneously working to…