Many special-needs children don’t have the privilege of “just being kids.”

Athletic Edge and Martin and Beaufort County schools set out to change that last week, as part of the inaugural Winter Carnivals.

“This is the very first time I’ve ever done it,” Athletic Edge owner Laura Horton said. “I’ve always been a teacher, and so when I came to work at Athletic Edge … I wanted to give back to the community and give back to the school system and the kids.”

Martin County Schools brought their special-needs students to Athletic Edge on Thursday, and Beaufort County Schools brought its students on Friday. Horton said there were about 20 stations set up with games, including basketball, golf, Plinko, Candy in a Haystack and dancing.

About 40 students from Washington High School’s National Honor Society also volunteered to run the stations and interact with the visitors, she said.

“Honestly, to see them walk through that door and to see the looks on their faces, that was priceless,” Horton said. “It’s just a great time for them to come out and utilize our space.”

Over the course of the two days, a total of about 275 participants turned out to the Winter Carnivals, according to Horton. She said the events would not have been possible without the help of community sponsors, and she was thankful to have their support.

Horton said it was a good experience to see children, from pre-kindergarten through high school, spend some time together and have fun in a safe environment. Athletic Edge also hosts students once a month from special-needs support programs ACCEPT and ExCEL.

Most importantly, however, the Winter Carnivals gave special-needs students a day they will never forget.

“Everyone was so appreciative. … They had such a good time,” Horton said. “We are looking forward to doing it again next year.”