Lacey Elks Grant Helps Launch Inclusive Lacey Youth Cheer Team

LACEY, NJ — A new inclusive cheerleading program for children with special needs is launching in Forked River with support from the Lacey Elks Special Children’s Committee.

The committee said it is sponsoring the new Lacey YFC Inspiration Team, an inclusive cheerleading program created for children with special needs in Forked River. Through the work of Mary Deal, the committee was awarded a $4,000 Gratitude Grant to help fund the program. According to the announcement, the grant will support the team’s efforts to provide an encouraging, accessible and welcoming cheerleading experience for athletes of all abilities.

The team is led by head coach Katie Coyne, who said the program is meant to offer more than cheer instruction.

“The Lacey YFC Inspiration Team is more than a cheer team—it is where every child has a place in our pride,” Coyne said. “Our vision is to create an inclusive, supportive, and empowering environment where children of all abilities can experience the joy of cheerleading, build friendships, gain confidence, and discover what they are capable of achieving.”

According to the announcement, the team will spend the season growing together, celebrating each athlete’s strengths and accomplishments, and showing the community what inclusion can make possible. The Lacey Elks Special Children’s Committee said it is honored to help bring the opportunity to local families in Forked River.

Coyne said the program’s goal is centered on making sure each participant feels valued by the end of the season. “Our goal is for every cheerleader to finish the season knowing they belong, they matter, and they are an important part of something bigger than themselves,” Coyne added. “One Pride. One Team. One Roar.”