Belton, Texas – On Saturday, October 12, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Athletic Department hosted its third annual TOUCHDOWNS event in conjunction with Down Syndrome Awareness Month. At least 80 families with children with special needs took part in the event.
Two hours before kickoff, TOUCHDOWNS participants met for a tailgate party in the Bawcom Student Union. Families and caregivers of children with special needs also received free admission to the game against the Tigers of East Texas Baptist University.
Sixty athletes with Down Syndrome took to the field during halftime. They were given a football and given the chance to score a touchdown in front of thousands of screaming Cru football fans. For those TOUCHDOWNS participants not interested in gridiron glory, UMHB cheerleaders were happy to host twenty honorary members.
The Crusaders were victorious with a final score of 50-14. The team will face conference rivals Hardin-Simmons for the university’s homecoming game next Saturday, October 19.
