Special-needs children treated to simulated football game

PHARR — Jocelyn Zarazua shifted in her wheelchair as her mother helped position her more comfortably.

The tiny 12-year-old girl had just finished playing a simulated football match at PSJA Stadium, and although she didn’t move much during the game, her mother was certain Jocelyn had a good time.

“She gets excited each year,” Irasema Zarazua said.

Jocelyn has cerebral palsy, a disability resulting from damage to the brain before, during or shortly after birth and outwardly manifested by speech disturbances and lack of muscle coordination.

Her mother says Jocelyn seldom has the opportunity to participate in sporting events. The Brownsville family makes the trip to Pharr each year so the girl can join other young students in playing a simulated football game. The city of San Juan and Miracle Kids of South Texas organize the event.

Miracle Kids is a nonprofit group that provides free sporting events for children with special needs. Volunteers from San Juan Middle School, including football players and cheerleaders, also helped put on the event by interacting with about 50 special-needs children and cheering them on during the game. Some wore costumes and provided entertainment for the group.

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

Mesack Zubia, a 10-year-old student who has mental retardation, got to tackle several football players during the game.

“He’s enjoying it just fine,” his mother, Angie Zubia, said. “He scored a touchdown.”

____

Ana Ley covers law enforcement and general assignments for The Monitor. She can be reached at (956) 683-4428.