San Juan to host free Miracle Kids football event Saturday

SAN JUAN — There’s a big game at PSJA Stadium on Saturday morning.

It may not have any state playoff implications, but the game promises to be a memorable one for the children who participate.

The city of San Juan will partner with the Miracle Kids of South Texas for the third annual Miracle Kids Football Event from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday. Registration starts at 8 a.m. and ends 10 minutes before the start of the game.

Participation is open to children with disabilities who are ages 5-15. Miracle Kids is a nonprofit group that provides free sporting events for children with special needs.

The event at PSJA Stadium, 601 Kelly Ave., Pharr, will have all the look and feel of a real game, complete with a band, drill team and announcer.

Each child will be paired with a buddy from the San Juan Middle School football team in the simulated game, and everyone gets a chance to score a touchdown. Each child also gets a free Miracle Kids jersey.

The football game will be followed by a medal ceremony and a free lunch.

“It will honestly look like a real football game, except there’s no contact,” said Diana Cruz, recreation assistant for the San Juan Parks and Recreation Department.

____

Nick Pipitone covers McAllen, PSJA, the Mid-Valley and general assignments for The Monitor. He can be reached at (956) 683-4446.

____

IF YOU GO

>> What: Miracle Kids Football Event, benefiting children with special needs

>> When: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday

>> Where: PSJA Stadium, 601 Kelly Ave., Pharr

>> How to sign up: Register at the stadium at 8-8:50 a.m. You can also call Valley Baptist Foundation at (956) 389-1614, send a fax to (956)389-6677 or e-mail the foundation at irma.villarreal@valleybaptist.net.

>> More info: Contact Diana Cruz, recreation assistant for the San Juan Parks and Recreation Department, at (956)783-9927.