A group of young athletes in Brownsville took the day off of school Wednesday to play a sport they love and to have conversations about why this day is so important.

Members of the Lights Out performance group put on the free event at the Brownsville Recreational Center, with free games of football, food and of course, plenty of water for the kids.

Founder Lee Morgan, a former football player, says access to sports can help spready positivity and discipline in the community, all while highlighting why the students had the day off.

"It's about starting something and letting them know that Juneteenth is an event and that as they get older, they'll do their own research to find out what it is. Twenty to 30 years from now, they'll be like 'Wow, Coach Wayne was really trying to show us something,'" Morgan said. "You know, it's easy, you can go outside and get involved in anything. so that's why I want to provide services here so the kids have more things to look forward to.

Kids at the event told News 12 they are taking advantage of the opportunity to get active and learn while they do it.

"It's a great opportunity, it's an opportunity that most players don't have and I'm appreciative," said 9-year-old Dylan, a Lights Out performance player.

"I want to be in the NFL, in the pros," said Lights Out player Jace.

Morgan says there's beauty in an event like Tuesday's, because not only are the kids getting to do what they love, but also who they can be in the future while learning about the past.

"I never really knew what the holiday was when I was little but the more I learn about it, the more it felt better for me to celebrate it and I'm happy he did this. It was a fun way to celebrate the holiday while also giving kids and parents a good workout." said 10-year-old Lights Out player, Johan.

Wayne tells News12 it was a first-of-its-kind event for the organization, and they hope to have similar events in the future