Search Results: special needs

Chelsea Werner

Chelsea Werner – Young Gymnast Soars Above Down Syndrome

Chelsea Werner was born with Down Syndrome, a condition that can cause certain medical issues including low muscle tone. Shortly after she was born, Chelsea’s parents decided to get her into gymnastics to help build her muscles.  After a long search, they found a great coach who was willing to teach her. When she started off, Chelsea…

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Kayla Wheeler and Breanna Sprenger – Two Champions Making the Most of Their Gifts

Kayla Wheeler, a teenager from Lynnwood, Washington, was born with no legs and only one arm. Yet, that has not stopped her from becoming a very, very full person! She is a record-setting swimmer, plays piano, is an A student, and a very happy person. At 16 years old, she is only just getting started….

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The Play That Changed Lives… For the Better

As a 5th grade football coach this story really showed me how important athletics are for teaching valuable lessons in life. The Olivet Eagles football team at Olivet Middle School in Olivet, Michigan, decided to run a play and intentionally not score, all without their coaches knowing. The football team planned the play for weeks,…

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Koni Dole

Koni Dole – High School Football Player Returns to Field One Year After Amputation

Koni Dole is a high school football player at Huntley Project High School in Montana. Just over one year ago, he broke his leg in a game. It was such a bad injury, that his leg became infected and had to be amputated. ‘As soon as I learned I might have to amputate, I started…

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Inspiring Videos of the Week (5/7/13): Find Your Greatness

Jonny Hickey is a young boy with Autism who found it hard to communicate with others. Then he met Xena, a very sick rescue dog who was expected to die. Well, not only did Xena survive, but her comfort has helped Jonny to express himself and he is a new person. Jonny and Xena make…

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Inspiring Role Model of the Week (4/24/13) – Drew Bonner: “No. 2 on his back, No. 1 in our hearts”

Check out Drew Bonner, the team manager for the Fairfax (Virginia) High School baseball team and two other sports teams. Drew used to play baseball, but contracted muscular dystrophy which stopped him from being able to play at age 11. Yet, his impact on the team and his school is very clear when watching the…

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Conner and Cayden Long – Inspirational Brothers and Sportskids of the Year

Conner Long is nine years old and his little brother Cayden is seven. They are from White House, Tennessee and both love sports.  However, only one of them can participate in sports.  The difference is that Cayden has cerebral palsy and is unable to walk or talk on his own. As a good big brother, Conner…

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Role Model Videos of the Week 1/29/13

Here are two great videos of role models to inspire you this week: Check out Tennessee homecoming king Scotty Maloney, a special needs student, who was given this honor based on the kindness of three fellow students: Meet Cassandra Lin an amazingly inspirational 12 year old girl who created a recycling program that generates fuel…

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Shining Bright Through "The Sparkle Effect"

On the outside, Sarah Cronk and Sarah Herr were typical teenage girls – they were pretty and popular and cheerleaders on their high school varsity cheerleading squad. But on the inside, these girls were something much more. Instead of simply enjoying their cheerleading squad status, the Sarahs wanted other kids to be able to share in the special feeling as…

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Jessica Cox – Surefooted and Defying the Odds

Jessica Cox is a young woman who has already accomplished a lot in her life. She has graduated college, begun a career as a motivational speaker, earned two blackbelts in Tae Kwon Do, and even learned to fly a plane! But even more amazing is the fact that Jessica has attained these goals despite the fact…

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