Lufkin High athletes pair up with special needs children for Turkey Trot

LUFKIN, Texas (KTRE) - Lufkin High School Athletes joined together with children who have special needs from elementary schools in the district for hours of energy-filled activity.

LHS Volleyball Player Charlotte Deaton said she looks forward to this event every year.

“I think it’s just really neat that we’re able to show them that they can do anything. It doesn’t matter about any disabilities or anything that they have, they can come out and do the exact same things that we can do,” said Deaton.

The event started with a group run around the LHS soccer field.

The student athletes helped the children to the finish line where they’re given a gold medal for their effort.

“It feels good cause it’s like you’re overcoming with them because you’re like, ‘yeah, we’re going to run this together and we’re going to have some fun.’ My kid’s from Brandon Elementary and he really likes to run, I’ll tell you that,” said LHS Cross country Runner Braysen Massie.

The event is held the week before Thanksgiving break, so it’s called the turkey trot.

Lufkin ISD girls Athletic Director Kristen Belshaw said the event is designed to give special needs children their own field day where they’re free to just be a kid.

“I’ll tell you they went through all emotions getting of the bus. We had ones that were very nervous about it, some that were so excited. We had one that brought cleats, his own cleats to run in this race because he was prepared,” said Belshaw.

Belshaw said that the event is beneficial for all involved, even inspiring some students.

“There was a high school kiddo last year after this event that came to me and said coach, I’ve found my calling. I want to work in special needs education. That alone is a testament to this event,” said Belshaw.

183 students with special needs from seven Lufkin ISD elementary schools and Lufkin Middle School were in attendance.

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