In his voice, you can hear it - the sound of victory as he yelled "Yeah, Jason!" as Jason ran to the end zone. Eric went beyond his job duties to make Jason's dream a reality. I didn't think this was possible but they really helped him."Īnd then there's Eric, Jason's aid. "I didn't think this would ever happen," said Steve Kobara, "He was born premature and he had a hard time learning. MORE: Baking program helps autistic young adults with job, social skills I'm proud of him," said Robert Chapman, Del Mar High School football coach, after Jason's play. "He has been out here every day working and to be able to let him have the opportunity to do that - it was awesome, it was awesome. After getting the touchdown, his teammates surrounded him and began to shout: "Let's go!" Jason ran to the end zone and the crowd erupted. On the field, one of the Del Mar football players yelled to Jason, "Hey I will protect you. His teammates and classmates on the bleachers shouted "Go Jason!" VIDEO: This Cheerleader With Down Syndrome Lets Nothing Stop HerĪfter an hour on the sidelines, Jason stepped into the field for the play. Hey! You are going to hit that alright," said Jason's teammates.
"You're going to get the touch down! We are going to celebrate. The athletes on the team have taught him more than football -this group showed him that unity is more powerful than a learning challenge. Locking arms with his teammates, Jason walks to the field. Being able to do that successfully is something that you have to do not just in school, not just on the football field, but you need to do that in life." It's important to work with other people. Luz Pena: "What are you hoping Jason takes out of this experience?"Įric Greer: "I hope that he understands that it's great to work with a team. He doesn't bat an eye when he tells you hey I work hard. I like to see how excited and how happy Jason gets when he succeeds on the football field. On Jason's left arm - a drawing of the play. Eric is a bit dyslexic today and that is okay," said Eric Greer. One of those challenges surfaced in the locker room. Eric was born with multiple disabilities too and that didn't stop him from playing football. Eric helped him gear up and reminded him they are no different. On game day, Jason switched his cowboy boots for cleats. MORE: Warriors' Draymond Green, former college teammate hold Autism Awareness basketball camp If Jason can do it, any of our students can do it," said Larry Lopez, Del Mar High School's principal "I think this is a good sign especially for our program. Jason would get to play during senior night.Įven though Jason doesn't know it, his hard work would open doors for other students with special needs. The senior with cowboy boots and the hat.Īfter months of practice, Jason and Eric got the call. It didn't take long for students at Del Mar High school to notice the new member of the football team. VIDEO: 49ers coach, players volunteer at football camp for athletes with Down Syndrome He drew inspiration from the team he grew up watching. Jason is always a part of every little bit of practice," said Eric Greer. We make sure we are there for warm ups and all the drills. We work with the receivers and the running backs. Athletes he had seen from afar for years became his friends. Jason was welcomed into the team and chose number 22, his favorite number. Months later, it was time to take the classroom experience to the field. MORE: Senior with cerebral palsy scores 80-yard touchdown Then they moved to the white board and began practicing a play that "maybe" Jason would get to do on the field one day. A super power that is needed on the football field. Jason chose the superhero with an innate ability - speed. (Eric) What is he going to do? (Jason) He is going to block and I'm going to hit the touchdown." (Eric) What is the quarterback going to do? (Jason) Hand me the football. With a team of action figures, Eric taught Jason the basics.
What are your thoughts? He was just all about it," said Eric Greer and added, "I was able to get a hold of a helmet from the athletic director and I had some old pads from when I played and we were able to piece together a uniform." Hey, I have an athlete here who is a senior this year and he wants to be a part of the team.
0 kommentar(er)
