A Place to Belong: How Kinetic Kids is Changing Lives in Medina County
We're celebrating the stories that matter and the good things happening in Medina County, just in a new way at least for now.
Though we hit pause on printing the second issue of Medina Magazine, the stories we created are too good not to share.
So instead of shelving them, we’re bringing them directly to you — as a digital series powered by Marken Media Co.
Over the coming days, we’ll highlight the local organizations, people, and places that make Medina County special — the same way we always planned, but now with even more ways to connect, comment, and share.
This is our way of honoring the incredible work our local writers and contributors poured into these stories and continuing to spotlight the good happening right here in our community.
✍️ Written by Katie Haby
📸 Photography Submitted by Kinetic Kids
A new baby always brings excitement and worries, but when Pate was born, his parents, Lacy and Paige Bishop, faced uncertainties they hadn’t experienced with their older daughter, Whitley.
Pate was born with Down syndrome, and Lacy remembers wondering, “Would he be left out? Could he have the same childhood experiences as other kids his age?” But as Pate grew, one thing became clear—acceptance was never going to be an issue. With his infectious personality and charm, he quickly became a town favorite. Lacy laughs, “He is one of the most popular kids around!”
Searching for Opportunities
Still, while Pate was embraced by his community, one thing was missing—the chance to participate in sports and extracurricular activities like other kids.
That’s where Alli Welch comes in. A lifelong friend of Lacy’s, Alli had known Pate since the day he was born.
A Life-Changing Dinner
In 2019, Lacy and Alli attended a fundraiser for Kinetic Kids, a nonprofit founded by two San Antonio physical therapists who saw a gap in opportunities for children with disabilities. They noticed that kids who dreaded therapy were suddenly excited to move when it meant running the bases at a baseball field. Their solution? A program that provided structured sports and fine arts activities for children with special needs—not in a medical setting, but in an environment where they could just be kids.
As they listened to testimonials from families who had benefited from Kinetic Kids, Alli turned to Lacy and said, “We need this.”
She had seen firsthand how much time the Bishops spent driving to San Antonio for doctor’s appointments and therapy. If Pate and other local children were going to experience the joy of Kinetic Kids, the program needed to come to them.
That moment sparked a mission. Two years later, the Medina County satellite program of Kinetic Kids was born. Today, it offers eight seasonal programs for children ages 5 to 21, with two programs per season, each lasting six weeks. Activities range from soccer and basketball to music, dance, and martial arts. They’ve even hosted a one-day golf clinic.
“Kinetic Kids brings people together, and we are so grateful that someone took the initiative to do something this big for Pate and his friends.”
The key to Kinetic Kids’ success is its thoughtful structure. Every child is paired one-on-one with a volunteer, and a therapist—occupational, physical, or recreational—is present to ensure safety and adapt activities to fit each child’s abilities. For many parents, it’s the first time they’ve been able to experience the simple joy of sitting on the sidelines, cheering for their child.
Growing Local Impact
What started as a small program has grown into something extraordinary—240 children participated in 2024 alone. And Lacy and Alli believe that’s just the beginning.
Alli encourages families to give it a try, saying, “It has been life-changing for our kids and their whole families because there just aren’t many opportunities like this outside of school.”
Kinetic Kids is more than just sports—it builds confidence, independence, and community. Lacy has seen the difference in Pate firsthand. “His attention span has improved so much. He’s growing in ways we never expected.”
And that early fear—that Pate might be left out?
Lacy doesn’t hesitate. “We worried he would have a different childhood, but he’s not missing out at all. Kinetic Kids brings people together, and we are so grateful that someone took the initiative to do something this big for Pate and his friends.”
KATIE HABY is a proud wife of 18 years, and mom to two daughters. She is fueled by Jesus, tacos, and sweet tea with mango flavoring.
Walk. Run. Roll.
Saturday, July 26, 2025
8:00 am
Castroville Regional Park
816 Alsace Avenue Castroville, TX 78009
Join Kinetic Kids in historic Castroville for a colorful trip around Regional Park! Come for the fun, medal, competition and community! Stay for snacks and water play in and around beautiful Medina River!
Castroville Regional Park features a mile-long loop where participants will be doused at four different color stations along the route. In this untimed event, participants can complete a full 5k or just take a lap!
Ways You Can Help Kinetic Kids
Time: Volunteer your time during one of the seasons. Seasons last 6 weeks at a time, and you volunteer one night a week during the season.
Treasure: Donate to provide a scholarship towards the program. Actual cost for program is more than $280 per child; families are charged $85.
Take Interest: Participate in one of the local fundraisers they hold.
Visit: kinetickidstx.org
Local Contact: Alli Welch, alli@kinetickidstx.org
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