Determination Personified, Young Boy With Incredible Heart

[Hoofbite]

o6Alt2DssYc

Amazing.

[hipfake08]

Cool. Great for the kids.

[Hostile]

That killed me, and I loved it.

[Faerluna]

Those kids are awesome! What a great video.

[WV Cowboy]

My heart is completely torn into two different directions on stuff like this.

Yes, it is heart-warming and inspirational. And Matt is one determined young man.

But as a youth sports coach for 20 yrs myself, I always try to find each kids strength and each one's weakness. I then try to exploit the strength and hide the weakness.

In this case it seems like it exploited his weakness. Running a distance run with bent and twisted legs seems to be asking a lot of Matt. But if track and field is what Matt wanted to do, then helping him through it was awesome.

Sometimes kids just want to be normal, .. just like the other kids, and I'm sure that means a great deal to Matt.

In our pre-game prayer, we always give thanks for our physical health, and athletic ability. Both gifts from God. Not all kids have physical health and athletic ability, .. and I try to let my kids know not to take it for granted.

See what I mean by being torn into two directions.

I will never understand why some kids can run and jump, while some have bent and twisted limbs.

Why must some bear that burden?

My heart aches for kids like Matt who just want to be able to do the things that most kids can do, that those kids just take for granted.

I hope so, .. and I am sure that someone is exploiting Matt's strength's.

[CCBoy]

You want a real tear and true inspiration, watch this:

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/highschool-prep-rally/inspiring-elementary-schooler-cerebral-palsy-runs-amazing-400-154523256.html

[Hoofbite]

My heart is completely torn into two different directions on stuff like this.

Yes, it is heart-warming and inspirational. And Matt is one determined young man.

But as a youth sports coach for 20 yrs myself, I always try to find each kids strength and each one's weakness. I then try to exploit the strength and hide the weakness.

In this case it seems like it exploited his weakness. Running a distance run with bent and twisted legs seems to be asking a lot of Matt. But if track and field is what Matt wanted to do, then helping him through it was awesome.

Interesting take about hiding one's weakness. Not sure hiding is all that beneficial in everyday life because it would be much preferred to improve on one's weakness but for sports it's probably the most efficient way to go with limited practice time and commitment from the player.

I disagree about exploiting his weakness only because his weakness (physical ability) is entirely obvious and it would probably take someone all of a few seconds to recognize it having seen him for the first time. I'm not sure you can hide it other than to deny him the chance to make his own decisions.

More than anything, I think the video highlights his strength. Mental fortitude and persistance. Off the charts with this kid. While he might look at others more physically capable and think "what could be", I think there are plenty who look at him and wonder the exact same if only they had the will power that he had.

Although I doubt most would trade places, I have to think there are probably a good number of people who are a bit ashamed to think of their shortcomings in a perfectly capable body when all they had to do was truly apply themselves.

Sometimes kids just want to be normal, .. just like the other kids, and I'm sure that means a great deal to Matt.

In our pre-game prayer, we always give thanks for our physical health, and athletic ability. Both gifts from God. Not all kids have physical health and athletic ability, .. and I try to let my kids know not to take it for granted.

See what I mean by being torn into two directions.

I will never understand why some kids can run and jump, while some have bent and twisted limbs.

Why must some bear that burden?

My heart aches for kids like Matt who just want to be able to do the things that most kids can do, that those kids just take for granted.

I hope so, .. and I am sure that someone is exploiting Matt's strength's.

I know what you mean.

[danielofthesaints]

:):) :) :) :)

[Cajuncowboy]

Love that!

[CCBoy]

by a huge heart:




http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/highschool-prep-rally/inspiring-elementary-schooler-cerebral-palsy-runs-amazing-400-154523256.html

[rocboy22]

Then go to the link

[CCBoy]

No, I was trying to be a ******** with a boring crapload...as if the heart of an elementary kid with cerebral palsy needs any more description than to tell it is inspiring.

Sometimes specificity beyond common sense is purely STUPID...but if one has to ring tap to point out a great act of love by kids....then forget it.

[rocboy22]

No, I was trying to be a ******** with a boring crapload...as if the heart of an elementary kid with cerebral palsy needs any more description than to tell it is inspiring.

Sometimes specificity beyond common sense is purely STUPID...

Im sorry. I meant it like a continuation of your post. Like you want this...go to the link. I went and felt the same as you. Sorry for the confusion.

[CCBoy]

Im sorry. I meant it like a continuation of your post. Like you want this...go to the link. I went and felt the same as you. Sorry for the confusion.

No problem...I was just explaining why I posted as I did. It was pulled off this board once. And to that mod, the message was meant. As a great message was provided if interested. You know...

[Bigdog]

That definitely brought a tear to my eye. Great motivation for those other kids. It was like today at the grocery store when this lady at the next register did not have enough money to pay for her groceries and I could tell she was on some kind of government assistance. There were several people waiting as some were getting very impatient as the lady said can you put the groceries on the side while I go to my car to get some money. I noticed that some of the people now were getting very upset (rolling their eyes, himming and hawing, etc.). I notice that she was not buying any alcohol or cigarettes but just basic food. I turned around and asked the cashier how much she owes and she told me. I handed the cashier the money to the look of bewilderment of the other customers. She looked at me and said are you sure. I told her without a doubt. I left the store before the lady came back in. My little girl who was with me told me that was nice thing that I did. The satisfaction of my little girl being proud of her dad was more than the cost of the groceries in my eyes.

[djmajestik]

No problem...I was just explaining why I posted as I did. It was pulled off this board once. And to that mod, the message was meant. As a great message was provided if interested. You know...

Not sure why this post was pulled, but thanks for posting CC! It was a GREAT video, just bothers me that posts about apocalyptic face eaters and zombie killers gets page after page of replies, and this one has just a hand full.

Truly inspiring, it actually made me want to go out and do something for kids that are challenged! Thanks for posting!!

[BoysFan4ever]

Thanks for sharing.

[BoysFan4ever]

That definitely brought a tear to my eye. Great motivation for those other kids. It was like today at the grocery store when this lady at the next register did not have enough money to pay for her groceries and I could tell she was on some kind of government assistance. There were several people waiting as some were getting very impatient as the lady said can you put the groceries on the side while I go to my car to get some money. I noticed that some of the people now were getting very upset (rolling their eyes, himming and hawing, etc.). I notice that she was not buying any alcohol or cigarettes but just basic food. I turned around and asked the cashier how much she owes and she told me. I handed the cashier the money to the look of bewilderment of the other customers. She looked at me and said are you sure. I told her without a doubt. I left the store before the lady came back in. My little girl who was with me told me that was nice thing that I did. The satisfaction of my little girl being proud of her dad was more than the cost of the groceries in my eyes.


What a gracious thing to do. And a memory made for your little daughter that her dad taught her one day about helping others. I absolutely love that!

[Hostile]

The video was not pulled, it was merged into an existing thread, as this one is. So the story has now been posted 3 times.

[WV Cowboy]

Interesting take about hiding one's weakness. Not sure hiding is all that beneficial in everyday life because it would be much preferred to improve on one's weakness but for sports it's probably the most efficient way to go with limited practice time and commitment from the player.

I disagree about exploiting his weakness only because his weakness (physical ability) is entirely obvious and it would probably take someone all of a few seconds to recognize it having seen him for the first time. I'm not sure you can hide it other than to deny him the chance to make his own decisions.


All I mean about hiding weakness and exploiting strengths in sports is, in this case, .. maybe he could run the 200 or 400 instead of making him run 800 meters.

His condition prevented him from training or preparing to run 800 meters.

Exaggerating here, ... but why not make him run a mile, or two?

See my point?

A good example from my coaching was, .. I had a kid who played shortstop in Little League because he had great hands and great glove. He was a heavy/stocky kid. That was fine there because the field was smaller, .. but when he moved up to my team and the field was regulation high school size, he could not move laterally well enough to play shortstop. He couldn't get to the balls in the hole to his left and right. His Dad, grandpa and his uncles wanted him to play shortstop, .. but I ended up moving him to 3rd base.

Hiding his weakness and showcasing his strengths.

He was, IMO, the best 3rd baseman in the league. His Grandpa is still a little 'cold' with me.

You are right here, there is no way to hide Matt's condition entirely.

[JoseyWales]

All I mean about hiding weakness and exploiting strengths in sports is, in this case, .. maybe he could run the 200 or 400 instead of making him run 800 meters.

His condition prevented him from training or preparing to run 800 meters.

Exaggerating here, ... but why not make him run a mile, or two?

See my point?
It was the 400m, not the 800m. And nobody made him do anything. He chose to run it himself, wanting to do what the other kids were doing.

And none of these kids trained or prepared for it. It was the end of school year track and field day that a lot of grade schools have. Not an actual track meet.

[WV Cowboy]

It was the 400m, not the 800m. And nobody made him do anything. He chose to run it himself, wanting to do what the other kids were doing.

And none of these kids trained or prepared for it. It was the end of school year track and field day that a lot of grade schools have. Not an actual track meet.

I see now that it was 400.

If you don't get my point, .. never mind.

[JoseyWales]

I see now that it was 400.

If you don't get my point, .. never mind.
I get your point, and it makes no sense in this situation.

This was not a competition with coaches trying to lead kids to victory. This was a kid just wanting to do something "normal" kids take for granted every day. So he made the choice to do it. Nobody made him, as you said.

And this certainly isn't even close to moving a chubby kid from shortstop to 3rd base because of his lack of range. In an organized sport where healthy kids were competing. This was a kid that had the heart and determination to finish what he started, in spite of a horrible physical impairment. It had to be terribly hard for him. Not to mention, was also probably painful. The gym teacher and kids joining him and cheering him on just made it even more special.

There was no hiding weakness. Or exploiting strengths. Both of which you've added in here. It was just a kid with an incredible heart wanting to be like other kids. If only for a moment.

[WV Cowboy]

I get your point, and it makes no sense in this situation.

This was not a competition with coaches trying to lead kids to victory. This was a kid just wanting to do something "normal" kids take for granted every day. So he made the choice to do it. Nobody made him, as you said.

And this certainly isn't even close to moving a chubby kid from shortstop to 3rd base because of his lack of range. In an organized sport where healthy kids were competing. This was a kid that had the heart and determination to finish what he started, in spite of a horrible physical impairment. It had to be terribly hard for him. Not to mention, was also probably painful. The gym teacher and kids joining him and cheering him on just made it even more special.

There was no hiding weakness. Or exploiting strengths. Both of which you've added in here. It was just a kid with an incredible heart wanting to be like other kids. If only for a moment.

You may want to go back and read my original post in this thread, it may give some insight as to what I was saying and where I am coming from.

That is if you can climb down from your high horse long enough.

My subsequent post was in response to the flow of the thread.

Or like I said, .. never mind.

[JoseyWales]

You may want to go back and read my original post in this thread, it may give some insight as to what I was saying and where I am coming from.

That is if you can climb down from your high horse long enough.

My subsequent post was in response to the flow of the thread.

Or like I said, .. never mind.
I did read your original post. And saw this.

In this case it seems like it exploited his weakness.

And that was MY point. Nobody exploited anything. It was his choice to do it. Nobody else's. Regardless of your 'why didn't they make him...'

And you know what you can do with your high horse comment. I was commenting on the thread, and it's responses. Nothing more. If anybody is on a 'high horse', it's you. Which is made pretty clear by your responses to me.