LEWISTON, Maine — The Lewiston community has rallied together in its most difficult time, grieving the devastating mass shooting in October. Since that day, Lewiston has gotten support from Mainers and those who live beyond state lines, including the New England Patriots and New England Revolution.
The two beloved teams hosted a community day at Lewiston High School to help kids heal.
"It is such an uplifting place to be today," Sarah Ward, Lewiston resident and mother, said. "I think if anything, this is a testament to how much people care about the kids in our community."
The Patriots and Revolution hosted football and soccer clinics, while there were other activities to enjoy as well. Lewiston's Superintendent Jake Langlais said almost 400 kids signed up to participate.
"The kids have been very resilient," Langlais said. "It's [the event] meaningful in that it allows new memories to replace the things that no longer have to be there. We continue to heal and work through them, we don’t ignore those things, but to have fun days like today [and] be that thing that you think of first instead of something that happened back in October is really important."
The Patriots also displayed their six Super Bowl trophies for families to take photos with.
Ward said in the wake of the tragedy, the community has come together even stronger than before.
"Regardless of what’s happened in the past, I feel like we are all moving forward together and are a lot closer for it. I think the kids especially, you know, it sets a good tone for the future of Lewiston and Auburn," she said.
Lewiston High School football players volunteered alongside football and soccer players from North Attleborough High School in Massachusetts.