12-04-2025
Texoma students bond at Boomtown Unified track meet for support
BURKBURNETT (KFDX/KJTL) — Students from across Texoma came together, not to compete against each other, but to stand side by side in the spirit of unity.
The Boomtown Unified Track Meet in Burkburnett turned a typical track and field event into something unforgettable, where friendship, support and teamwork took center stage.
Students from Burkburnett, Holiday, City View, and Iowa Park competed side by side in the annual track meet that pairs athletes with and without disabilities on the same teams in a series of track and field events.
The event is part of the Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools program. Through cheers, teamwork and shared victories, the Boomtown Unified Track Meet highlighted the power of sports to break down barriers and bring students together.
4th grade Holliday student Rustin Park said he's so grateful that his teacher got him into this event because it helps him feel like an actual boy.
'I really love that Ms. Berry got me into this Event. If she would have never been my VI teacher I don't think I would live a successful life. I feel like an actual boy since she came into my life,' Park said.
For Rustin Parks, it isn't his first unified event, but it leaves an impact each time.
'I actually have made a couple of friends today, and I've even made friends with teachers. You know, I mean, I am anxious sometimes because I don't know if these people are going to be like little dingbats or if they're going to be great and nice people, but it's always good to try,' Park said.
One of those friends is Cannen Mccloskey, who has been helping Rustin at this event for the last 3 years.
'It's not their fault that they are like that. They just happened to be born that way. I think this event is good because it allows you to be friends with everybody and learn what they like to do', said Mccloskey.
For students like Rustin and many others, it can be hard to put yourself out there, but events like these that emphasize inclusion help knock down that barrier.
In a world where differences often divide, the Boomtown Unified Track Meet reminds us what's possible when those differences are embraced.
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