BYU Track & Field hosts 14th Courageous Kids Invitational

PROVO, Utah - The BYU track & field program participated alongside children with special needs in the 14th annual Courageous Kids Invitational Thursday evening at the Robison Track and Field Complex.

Student-athletes were paired up with children with special needs and disabilities, helping them participate in several track and field events throughout the evening. Parents spectated from the bleachers and the field, and Cosmo made an appearance, interacting with the families and cheering on the kids.

"This is just such a great experience for the kids and the athletes, and I just love watching the interactions every year," said one child's parent. "Our son looks forward all year to coming to do the Michael's mile. He loves being able to tell all of his friends that he can do a whole mile nonstop."

The track and field student-athletes help each year to give these families a fun and memorable experience. "I really enjoyed being part of the Courageous Kids Invitational," said distance runner Grace Hutchison. "It was so much fun getting to cheer on and interact with the kids throughout the event. Seeing how excited and confident they were while participating was really special, and it was a great reminder that track and field is about bringing people together and creating opportunities for everyone to feel included. It was definitely one of my favorite events we’ve been able to be a part of as a team."

Tammy (Kirby) Bowers, a former BYU pole vaulter (2000-02), teamed-up with the Cougar track and field program to found the event in 2011. Bowers and former BYU multi-athlete Marsha Mark (1996-98) have combined to organize Courageous Kids nearly each year since.

"Courageous Kids has to be my favorite event that we do as a track and field program," junior sprinter Garrett Copelin said. "It is just absolutely wonderful to see the light of Christ and the joy that these children bring."

Learn more about the Courageous Kids Invitational at their website.