Purple Heart Elementary fourth-grader Jonathan Brooks was extremely excited about competing in the 100-meter race at the Socorro Independent School District’s Spring Games. The night before the competition, he repeatedly reminded his father, who shares the same name, not to be late.
“He constantly reminded me last night (that) he has an event today, so he's been really excited about this,” his father, Jonathan Brooks, said.
On April 3, Team SISD rallied to support over 1,200 students, including Jonathan Brooks, and celebrated their victories at the 36th annual SISD Spring Games in memory of James P. Butler.
Students with special needs from elementary, middle, and high schools across the district showcased their athletic abilities in 270 track and field events at the Student Activities Complex. Athletes who participated in the SISD event were eligible to compete in the area Special Olympics Spring Games and other year-round sports at the city and statewide levels.
“I'm gonna run!” yelled a delighted Jonathon Brooks before his first race. The Purple Heart Hero has been competing in the Spring Games since he was in second grade. “And (when I’m in) 5th grade, I might come here, too,” he added.
SISD Director of Special Education Analia Jansen said that the games were all about inclusivity and making sure that all students felt a part of the SISD community. The games not only allowed participants to demonstrate their athletic talents but also provided them with the opportunity to learn social skills and how to address people in crowded areas, she said.
“This is one of our happiest, most welcomed events in Socorro ISD,” Jansen said. “Just watching them run and smile when they go up to the podium and receive their awards, it's something incredible. Parents that get to see their children participate in an event like this, there's a lot of tears, a lot of excitement.”
Angelina Conley was excited to watch her daughter, Kalia Conley, a kindergartener at Sgt. Roberto Ituarte Elementary School, compete in the 50-meter race. Angelina Conley smiled when she recalled that her daughter had come in second place last year because she stopped to cheer for her competitor and waited for him to cross the finish line first.
“I love being a supportive parent because our kids look for that,” Angelina Conley said. “When they don’t see you, it kind of makes them feel left out or isolated. It feels great to be a supportive parent because they’ll be looking (for you).”
At the end of each race, athletes went up to the medal stand to receive their medals. Their teachers and family members greeted them with high fives and warm hugs.
Erica Jimenez congratulated her son, Dominic Comer, an El Dorado High School senior, after he finished a relay race. Comer said he felt good about his performance.
Jimenez said Comer and his twin sister have been participating in the Spring Games since they were in elementary school. She said that including children with special needs in different activities, such as sports, is very important.
“We moved to this side of town so that our kids could attend Socorro ISD because (of the) inclusiveness and how they emphasize that every single kid is important; not one of them is left behind,” Jimenez said.
Jonathan Brooks said watching his son on the track brought back memories of him running with his dad.
“It's just a great time to be here,” Jonathan Brooks said about the Spring Games. “I'm glad and happy to see him participate along with the rest of the kids that are out here.”