The Denver nonprofit Children’s Opportunity Foundation has donated $10 million to Aurora Public Schools and the Aurora Public Schools Foundation for the construction of a state-of-the-art sports complex.

The funds were specifically donated under the direction that they be used to construct an enhanced baseball and softball sports complex.

“We consider athletics to be an important part of the educational process and an important component of leadership development,” said Dwight Richins, COF vice chairman.

COF’s mission is to improve the lives of children through family-based advocacy, care and training.

The sports complex will be located at and named after Aurora Central High School — the first high school in the APS district. However, the sports complex will be made available to all APS students and schools.

“We are so grateful for this generous donation,” APS said in a statement.

APS is the fifth-largest school district in Colorado, serving more than 40,000 students in more than 60 schools.

It is one of the most diverse districts in the state with students from more than 130 countries who speak over 160 languages.

“Our hope is that the school and community will use this first-class facility to enhance what has been done in regards to athletics and facilities so that the pursuit of excellence can continue in the years ahead,” Richins said.

The sports complex will include indoor and outdoor practice fields, a training facility for student athletes, a learning center and administrative offices. Funding will also be used to add lighting to the existing softball field, turf field and track.

COF hopes the investment will support students by providing an opportunity for them to explore their passion for athletics.