[ruthann8]

I work for a non-profit company that works with people with disabilities (all ages). I work with the elderly age group. But anyway in our company newsletter there was an article from our executive director. I was wondering what you thought. Our executive director has brought up some interesting thoughts and questions.

Here is the article that was in our newsletter. I left out specific names for privacy but the article he is speaking about was the newspaper so it is public information.

A newspaper ran and article about a JV football game. With just a couple minutes left in the game and school A leading 39-0 there was an extended timeout on the field to deal with a serious injury. Consideration had been given to ending the game, but school A wanted to give a school B player, lets call him Fred, a student with special needs, “the time of his life.” The plan, approved by the coaches and officials was for the school A quarterback to deliberately fumble and allow Fred to pick it up and run for a touchdown. This apparent act of kindness drew only praise and positive comments on the newspaper website. But, despite their best intentions, did the coaches, officials, and players really do right by Fred? Just a few questions to ponder and discuss:
(1) The article does not tell us about Fred’s disability or cognitive skill level, but what happens when he finds out it was set-up, or figures it out for himself?
(2) What about other players who practice day in and day out and never get to play in a game? Do they each deserve an opportunity to be a hero?
(3) And what if the game had been tied? Given our culture’s obsession with “winning at all cost,” do you think they would have let Fred score the winning touchdown? It is easy to be gracious when leading 39-0 because all you are giving up is the shutout.
(4) What will Fred’s expectations be for his next game or future games?
(5) The article mentions that Fred had been in on a tackle on a play before the injury and was feeling good about it. So, isn’t getting strokes from your teammates and coaches enough---a real accomplishment that Fred could take honest pride in?
(6) Does this incident refuse to acknowledge Freds disability and have the coaches, officials, players and fans pretending that he does not have a disability?
In conclusion, let me reiterate that I believe everyone involved had only the best intentions for Fred. The questions raised are simply to get you to think more deeply about what subtly messages might be sent through this incident. Your responses are welcome.


I was kind of wondering how you would feel as the parent of this child. Thanks.