(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT — March 30, 2023) — Bowie, Coronado and Irvin high schools hosted more than 220 sixth graders from all 16 El Paso ISD middle school campuses for a one-mile run Wednesday, March 29, as part of the district’s new intramurals initiative.

The cross country competition was the first leg of five sports that will be part of the district’s intramurals program, which debuted this year to give sixth-grade students the chance to compete in sports throughout the academic year including track, volleyball, basketball and flag football.

The program aligns with the whole-child development tenets of El Paso ISD’s Hopes and Dreams Realized 2022-2025 strategic blueprint by offering students healthy activities that strengthen social, emotional and academic competence.

On Wednesday, 226 students were taken to one of three regionally selected high schools closest to their campuses to compete in the race. El Paso ISD Director of Athletics David Cervantes said the event was a success and described the intramurals program as an impactful way to implement meaningful, engaging practices that develop students’ ability to manage and own their behavior.

“It is an exciting time for sixth graders at El Paso ISD,” Cervantes said. “Students will have the opportunity to participate in cross country, track, volleyball, basketball and flag football over the course of the school year. These intramural programs will help our sixth graders develop skills and enhance their character development."

If any sixth-grade student is interested in intramural sports, contact the coaching staff at your campus.