NEWTOWN, Conn. (AP) — Newtown school children have been treated to a New York Giants football game, basketball and soccer clinics, and a visit from Olympic gold medalists in the weeks since the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary school.

Town officials and parents say the sports world has played an important role in helping the town heal after the tragedy.

Dr. Marian Moca, a child psychiatrist at the UConn Health Center, said what the athletes are doing creates a sense of caring, community support and safety the kids need at this time.

Gymnast Aly Raisman says she was just thrilled she could bring a few smiles to the faces of children who had been affected by the shooting.