KNIGHTHAWKS
KYLE — The Kyle Knighthawks will head into its second year with a brand new sport — soccer.
The Special Olympics team formed in 2024 after city of Kyle Therapeutic Recreation Coordinator Miranda Candia felt it was a necessity for the disability community.
According to Aimee Garcia, assistant director of Parks and Recreation, the city is on a mission to be more inclusive by bringing these types of services to underserved communities. So, in 2023, the department put in a request for Candia’s position in hopes to further program availability.
“My position is new to the city — I just started in January of last year — and so it’s building the therapeutic recreation division from the ground up. With that, I knew I wanted to offer sports to individuals with disabilities,” she explained.
One of the requirements to the position is to be a Certified Therapeutic Recreation specialist, said Candia, which allows her to create these recreational programs.
Initially, the team began with 10 bocce players last year and seven swimmers, but as the program grows, it is expanding, bringing soccer for the 2025 season.
Candia stated that there are two divisions: a skills level and a traditional team. While the traditional team is ages 15 and up and requires experience, the skills level is for all ages and gives community members an opportunity to learn a new sport and grow.
“Anybody can register. On the first day of practice, I kind of assess their ability and their skill level with soccer. So, say, for instance, if an athlete signed up for traditional and they’re just not quite there yet, I’ll just have that discussion with the parents: ‘I think skills [level] is more appropriate for this athlete.’ But they both still get to compete,” the therapist said.
The team competes at one game at the end of each season within Special Olympics Area 13.
Last year, Candia stated that the team brought home 10 gold medals, eight silver and a bronze for bocce and several medals in swimming.
One of the medalists was Knighthawk member Kevin Johnson, who received gold for his performance in bocce.
“You have to have really good aim,” Johnson explained. Johnson continued by emphasizing his love of the program and that he hopes it expands to the future with shot put, as he used to play the sport when he was younger.
Additionally, Knighthawk Willie Capalac shared similar sentiments. The athlete noted that he has been able to make friends and try out new sports, like bocce, which prior to the team, he had never played. This new opportunity led Capalac to win a ribbon for the sport.
The expansion of the division, as Johnson wants, is dependent on the number of volunteers, said Candia. As of now, the program is entirely volunteer run and coached by Candia herself, so she is implementing sports that she can easily learn or has a history with, such as soccer.
A heavily requested sport is basketball, but the therapist noted that she would want to have an outside coach come in to teach the athletes, as she has no experience.
In order to make the program accessible, Garcia explained that the funding for the program comes from the Parks and Recreation Department budget, allowing for a $15 fee for Kyle residents and $17 for non-city members. This price includes team shirts, snacks and food at competition and transportation to the event.
Soccer registration is now open and will close Sunday, March 2, with the first practice beginning March 5, while bocce and swim registration will begin in May.
“There’s certain eligibility requirements that [must be met], but if a parent comes to me and says, ‘My kiddo really wants to participate, but he needs one-on-one time,” as long as they’re able to provide that one-on-one support, they’re totally okay to register,” said Candia.
“This is only the beginning for us. We hope to grow this division and bring about more programs and events and activities,” concluded Garica.
For more information on the Kyle Knighthawks, visit bit.ly/3Q4LiY0 or to volunteer, email Candia at [email protected].
