Hemet Unified School District (HUSD) had its annual Super Kids Bowl on Friday morning February 5, 2016. Students with moderate to severe disabilities participated in a safe version of football. Matt Kraemer, Principal of Idyllwild School started this event 12 years ago, and it continues to inspire everyone involved.
Every year students with moderate to severe disabilities will play a game of football with the support of a local HUSD football team. This year Hemet High School hosted this amazing event. The Bulldogs offensive players assisted TK-5 students in scoring a touchdown against the defense. These TK-5 students could be seen spiking the ball, cheering along with the crowd, and high-fiving the Hemet High cheerleaders on the sideline. Hemet’s band played every time a student crossed into the end zone.
Students from Little Lake Elementary, Valle Vista Elementary, Cawston Elementary, and Bautista Creek Elementary participated in this year’s event. Mr. Kraemer said there were around 120 students in attendance this year.
“I beg Matt (Kraemer) to be involved every year,” said Hemet High’s Football Coach Jason Thornburg. He explained that his football players also get a lot out of this event. It’s a time to reflect and be grateful for everything they have, it’s truly inspiring. “It’s a great opportunity for our kids to show another side of themselves,” he said.
Matt Kraemer had nothing but gratitude for everyone that supported this event: Associated Student Body (ASB) students from Idyllwild School helped their Principal throughout the event; the football players and the compassion they showed; Emily Hulstrom, a Valle Vista teacher, Debbi Kraemer, HR Tech., and Vice President of HUSD’s Governing Board, Vic Scavarda, took pictures; and Forrest Thomas, Bulldog’s Football Announcer, helped Mr. Kraemer announce the event.
The weather was beautiful, the field was green, and it set the stage for another wonderful Super Kids Bowl, said Matt Kraemer.