Jason McElwain / Autistic BBall Player

[dwbakerjr]

Has anyone begun any type of thread about Jason McElwain's performance in the last game of his Sr year for Greek Athena High School?

It was all over CBS, ABC, NBC, ESPN, and (get this) Disney has offered a movie contract to his family for a feel-good made-for-TV movie.

For those interested, Jason is an Autistic student who enthusiastically has been the team Athena Manager (towels, water, other general go-fer stuff, and equipment maintainance, etc...) Because everyone likes him so much, the Coach let him suit up for his final Sr game (likely, not to play). But with 4 minutes left in the game, and Athena up by 21 points, he put Jason in the game (to INCREDIBLE CHEERING from the crowd). He responded by hitting 6 out of ten shots FROM THREE POINT RANGE, AND ENDING THE GAME WITH A TEAM HIGH 20 POINTS. As Jason said, "What a great way to end my Basketball career".

Since then, many people are pointing out how (in 4 minutes) he has opened a lot of eyes to what Autism is all about. My boy struggles with Aspergers Syndrome (part of the autism spectrum), and he really likes 'just being one of the guys' whenever he has the opportunity.

Just a feel good story... dont know if anybody saw it.

 

[rascalmom]

I saw it, there was a link to the video on a post here a few days back. DH came home about the time I was watching - scared him to death because I was sitting here with tears streaming down my face. Truly amazing - such a joy to see that young man go onto the court, hit those baskets & then to be hoisted to the shoulders of his team mates.

 

[minkydog]

Yes, there is a thread on the DISabilities board.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1043504

 

[dwbakerjr]

Thats interesting... because I'm sure if you asked Jason (or my boy), they would not feel they were 'disabled' in any sense. They just have one additional bump in the road they have to negotiate each day.

 

[Buckalew11]

Saw the video link and saw the follow-up last night on the news. They have had like 25 movie offers.

An amazing video and a very likable young man. As a basketball fan and a fan of "what sports can do for you" in positive ways like this one, I loved the story and could watch it over and over!

Love a good positive story about our young people!!