Kaya Sanchez, a fourth grader at Cactus Trails Elementary School, was confident that she would win the 50-meter unassisted wheelchair race at the Socorro Independent School District’s Spring Games, in memory of James P. Butler, on March 26.
She had practiced all winter, racing up and down the hallways at school, on a track near her home and at her grandparents' houses.
On the day of the race, as soon as the horn sounded, she took off down the track at the Student Activities Complex II, racing ahead of her competition to cross the finish line first.
“I like running the race because I run fast,” Kaya Sanchez said.
In 2026, the Spring Games celebrated 40 years of providing students with special needs a platform to showcase their athletic abilities in a fun and supportive environment. Students from elementary, middle and high schools across the district participated in 270 track-and-field events. The event not only highlighted their abilities but also fostered inclusion within Socorro ISD.
“You can see their smiling faces when they cross that finish line, when they get their medals. That just lights them up, and it brightens our day as well because we're able to see what they're able to do. So, for parents, you can imagine the pride and the joy it is in seeing your students cross that finish line,” said Melissa Olivarez, SISD director of Special Education.
The games were held in honor of James P. Butler, an adaptive physical education coach who died in 2007. He was a strong advocate for children with special needs and played a key role in launching the SISD games in 1986, which started with just 22 participants. Butler's dream was to expand the games, and this year, more than 1,300 student-athletes participated.
“The mission in his life was to help the kids with special needs. And look at the results. It's already 20 years that he passed away. And when you see that there's some vision, his passion is still here. What I can tell you is that I'm so blessed. I'm so proud of him still,” said Leonarda Butler, James P. Butler’s widow.
Elementary students competed in the morning, while middle school and high school students competed in the afternoon. Both sessions kicked off with a mini-parade celebrating the athletes, along with SISD administrators, teachers, staff and volunteers.
Lori Springer Salazar, an educational diagnostician at Benito Martinez Elementary School and Socorro Middle School, was among the many volunteers who helped make the games a reality.
This was her 30th year volunteering at the games, and she has many fond memories from over the years.
“There was a little boy, and his name was Daniel, and his whole family would come, and they'd have their t-shirts with ‘Daniel's Dad,’ ‘Daniel's Mom,’ ‘Daniel's Sister,’” Salazar recalled.
“I love seeing the support and hearing the crowd for the kids, and I think it's very special that our district does this because you don't get this everywhere,” Salazar added.
Rene Sanchez, Kaya Sanchez’s dad, said the Spring Games were a family event. His heart raced as he watched his daughter sprint down the track and cross the finish line. He said that the games not only provided an opportunity for Kaya to showcase her abilities but also helped their family feel included in the community.
“It does a lot for us as parents because there's not always a place where we can cheer them on,” Rene Sanchez said. “And having this once a year, it's the best place for us to cheer them on and have something to look forward to every single year."