It was sweltering at times, but that didn’t stop a group of students with special needs who gathered at Bulldog Stadium.

About 65 student athletes from the Northern Lehigh School District and Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit participated in the fifth annual Bulldog Games held Wednesday by the Northern Lehigh Special Education Department.

There were four Northern Lehigh and five CLIU multiple disability classrooms.

They were joined by about 65 volunteers who ranged from Northern Lehigh High School students to sixth-grade Northern Lehigh Middle School Student Council, eighth-grade Inspire Team, and high school students from various clubs to retired teachers who assisted.

Allyson DeHart, TOSA/Ed consultant for the Special Education Department and transition coordinator for the Northern Lehigh School District, said the event was more than just a day of games and activities.

DeHart said activities consisted of a bean bag toss, Wiffle ball hit, softball throw, parachute fun, face-painting and carnival games, as well as the all-time favorite, Bubble Fun.

In addition, she said Bocce was introduced this year since Northern Lehigh School District is a participant in the Unified Bocce League.

DeHart said they added a sensory area for the kids, as well as a non-dunk tank in which they used ping pong balls instead of water.

“I am especially thankful to the Northern Lehigh School District community for the incredible support shown throughout this journey,” DeHart said. “From colleagues checking in, to administrators offering encouragement, to students and families cheering on the athletes, the kindness and positivity truly made a difference.

“I am grateful to work in a district that continually fosters an atmosphere of inclusion, acceptance, and support for all students and staff. That sense of community and belonging reflects the heart of the district’s mission.”

DeHart added that she also shared an Amazon wish list connected to the Bulldog Games.

“And I was overwhelmed by the generosity shown by staff members, families, friends, and community members who donated items for the event and the students,” she said. “The support helped make the event even more special for the children involved, and it was another reminder of how much this community rallies around its students and programs.”