This is one of those amazing, heart-warming stories that makes you feel good to be alive.
It happened not long ago, at a typical basketball game at a typical high school in Greece, NY.
Jason McElwain, a 17-year old autistic boy, helped to manage his high school basketball team. He assisted with running the clock; he gave pep-talks, and he passed out water bottles at every game. He was supposedly too short, at 5’6”, to play, and…let’s not mention his disability.
So it wasn’t until the final game of the season, February 15th, when the team was ahead by a large margin, that Jason was allowed to actually suit-up and play. It was a bit of an act of charity, similar to the ending scene in the movie “Rudy,” where the hard-working underdog finally gets to suit-up and play for Notre Dame, and as the clocks runs out, is carried off the field by his cheering teammates.
Jason, given his moment of glory, surpassed everyone’s expectations. As the stunned—and delighted–crowd looks on, Jason makes a long three-point shot.
And then another.
And then another.
And that’s just the beginning. He goes on to score 20 points in four minutes, as the crowd goes wild.
You’ve got to see this to believe it. I’m providing the link, so click on it and watch this miracle for yourself.
It just goes to show that disabled people can achieve and change the world–
if they are just given the chance.
Click here to see Jason McElwain’s amazing basketball debut. You’ll want to launch the video to see it as it happens live.