The University of Denver women’s gymnastics team, currently ranked No. 17, will hold its annual “My Ribbon, My Reason” meet on Sunday, February 1, during a competition against Iowa State.
At the event, each Denver gymnast will wear a colored hair ribbon to represent a cause they have personally chosen. The team has partnered with campus and local organizations to promote awareness for these causes. Some organizations will be present at the meet while others will provide materials for fans interested in learning more or getting involved.
Fans attending the meet are encouraged to support their own causes or pick up colored streamers that match the gymnasts’ ribbons before the competition begins.
The selected causes and their corresponding ribbon colors include Alzheimer’s Awareness (purple), Blood Donation (red), Breast Cancer Awareness (pink), General Cancer Awareness/Cancer Survivors (light purple), Childhood Cancer Awareness (gold), Cystic Fibrosis Awareness (purple), Domestic Violence Awareness (dark purple), Education Awareness (blue), Equity & Inclusion (orange), Foster Care Awareness (dark blue), Heart Disease Awareness (red), LGBTQIA+ Pride (rainbow), Mental Health Awareness (lime green), Parkinson’s Disease (gray), Reproductive Healthcare Justice (dark green) and Suicide Prevention (teal).
Each student-athlete provided a statement about their chosen cause. For example, Shyla Bhatia said about Alzheimer’s awareness: “This is a very serious illness, and there are so many cases each year; but I really think it needs more attention, and I am rooting for everyone and their families to help each other through it.” Kaitlynd Kastl commented on blood donation: “My red ribbon symbolizes the lifesaving impact of blood donation and the reminder that a simple act of giving can make the difference between despair and hope for someone in crisis.” Regarding breast cancer awareness, she added: “My pink ribbon represents the courage of everyone affected by breast cancer and the importance of continuing to push for research, early detection and support for families navigating the disease.”
Partner organizations supporting these efforts include national groups such as the Alzheimer’s Association Colorado Chapter, Children’s Hospital Colorado – Blood Donation Center, Susan G. Komen Foundation, University of Colorado Cancer Center, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Ray of Hope Colorado, Morgan Adams Foundation, Safe House Denver, Project Safeguard, Reach Out and Read, Youth for a Change, DU Office of Civil Rights & Equal Opportunity, The Foster Source, Hope and Home, DU QSA organization for LGBTQIA+ students at DU , Thrive@DU , The Second Wind Fund , Mental Health Colorado , The Hidden Opponent , Parkinson’s Association of the Rockies , Cobalt Advocates , Donor Alliance , Special Olympics Colorado .
The University notes that student-athletes are allowed to select non-profit causes according to their individual preferences. This policy is intended to foster free expression among participants. According to university guidelines: “The cause selection reflects the preferences and values of each individual student-athlete and does not constitute an endorsement or representation of the views, positions or policies of the gymnastics program or the University of Denver.”
Tickets for all 2026 home meets are available online as well as through phone orders or at Ritchie Center Box Office.
