Pirate Pride Cheer, an inclusive cheer team within Crandall ISD for students with intellectual disabilities, is asking the community for financial support as it works to provide uniforms, pom poms, and team spirit gear for the 2026 to 2027 season.
The program is seeking 121 people to donate 10 dollars each to help reach its fundraising goal. The team is also asking supporters to share the fundraising campaign with others to help spread the word.
The cheer team, which serves students ages 8 to 21, is adding 10 new athletes this year, bringing its total roster to 20 special education students. Organizers noted that Pirate Pride never asks families to pay, as the program is funded entirely through donations and grants.
The team provides students with opportunities to show their pride at district games, community events, and other district activities throughout the year, all while following Special Olympics guidelines. The program is designed to promote inclusion, build confidence, and increase school involvement for students who may not otherwise have access to extracurricular opportunities, stating, “in Pirate Nation, everyone matters.”
The Special Olympics Texas organization, which supports programs like Pirate Pride Cheer, describes its mission as providing year round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, fellow athletes, and the community.
Those interested in donating can visit givebutter.com/PiratePride. Community members can also learn more about the program by viewing a video at youtu.be/MVMS8NrhD7s. For additional information, families and supporters can email jspoerlgolden@crandall isd.net.
