It stinks that people have to be born with a disability. Why does this happen? Why can’t everyone be equal, but different ? I am blessed to not have any physical or mental disabilities. The story I would like to talk about is about a young man who caught everyone’s attention just three years ago. His name is Jason McElwain or “J- MAC” and he has autism and that enabled him to play sports at a high level. As at very young age J-MAC had trouble interacting with other kids, but was able to develop social skills by his teen years. J-MAC loved basketball, and became the manager of his high school’s team in New York. He accepted the fact that he was unable to compete, but being around the game very helpful to J-MAC. It was not till February 15, 2006, the last home game of the year, that J-MAC got to show off his basketball skills. J-MAC played in the last four minutes of his high school’s division title game. He made a total of six three pointers and one two pointer for a total of 20 points a game.
When I first heard this story I probably watched it ten times on ESPN and then on Youtube. It was just an amazing story with a truly sweet ending. This just shows nothing is impossible, reach for the stars no matter what stands in your way. A few weeks after the game J-MAC met former President George Bush. There is also a book that has been written by J-MAC called The Game of My Life. There is also a movie in the works, which will be produced by Magic Johnson. The time line for the movie is still in the works as contracts and scripts still have to be finalized.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I really enjoyed seeing this on ESPN when they showed the story. I remember going to basketball practice the night after it happened and knowing nothing about it and everyone else was saying how incredible it was that this kid hit six three pointers.
ReplyDeleteI probably only made six or seven three pointers my whole varsity career and this kid did it within four minutes or so. I was amazed and liked how the entire student section supported him. Often times, high school students would be really mean and just make fun of the kid, but I was happy to see that they supported him and made him feel like what he did was really incredible, even when he missed.
I will be looking for the movie. Who is playing J-Mac? Matt Damon would work for me:-) Great clip. Thanks for sharing this.
ReplyDelete