INGRAM – In some of the same areas that were once reunification sites after the deadly Hill Country floods, professional sports teams organized a day of fun and mental health support for families.
Spurs Sports & Entertainment joined over 30 other teams to host ‘Sport for Healing Fest.’ The event at Ingram High School brought in more than 2,000 families to play sports and provide access to counselors.
“There’s very few things that are as powerful and unifying as the power of sport,” said Patricia Mejia, Chief Impact and Inclusion Officer for the Spurs.
It was one of the latest efforts by the Texas Sport for Healing Fund, established by teams across the state, to help those impacted by the July 4 floods.
“It was incredible to see everyone spread across the entire Ingram campus,” Mejia said.
Organizers said the goal was to provide families with a small sense of normalcy after the flooding this summer.
“It’s really neat that we all come together to be here for each other,” attendee Eric Silerio said.
“It’s so important to us,” Ingram High senior Hallie Nichols said. “We’ve been through so much.”
Nichols, alongside her mom, was part of the volunteers who helped at the reunification center at Ingram Elementary School on July 4th.
The event provided Nichols and the community with a reprieve from the devastation still felt after the floods.
“I’ve been through so much, and it’s just, people are happy, you know, smiling,” Nichols said. “It’s nice to see because it hasn’t been like that.”
The fund, started by more than 40 sports organizations, has been committed to supporting the communities affected for the long term.
“It was special to see this small little school that I go to with so many people from all over Texas here,” Ingram student Kendall Boles said. “It’s really cool to see how much support we’re getting.”
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