JASON’S
AMAZING GAME

Topics: Blessings; Dedication; Disabilities; Faith; Fulfillment; Joy; Overcoming; Sports; Talents; Team; Unselfishness; Victory

References: Romans 12:3–8, 15–16; 1 Corinthians 12:14–26

Jason McElwain, a high school senior with autism, was the basketball team manager for three seasons, diligently fetching water, chasing rebounds in warm-ups, and mopping up sweat. However, in February 2006, for the last game of the season, Jason’s coach decided to reward the young man by allowing him to suit up. Then, with the team ahead by twenty points and only four minutes to go, the coach put Jason in the game.

Jason missed his first two shots, but his third was a three-point swish. As the ball went through the net, the gymnasium erupted with applause. Jason went on to make six three-pointers—a Greece Athena High School record—to finish with twenty points in a little more than four minutes.

With each basket, the crowd became more enthusiastic. By the time Jason hit his last shot, everyone was jumping up and down. When the game ended, the bleachers emptied onto the court as the crowd gathered around Jason, and his teammates hoisted him onto their shoulders.

After the game, Jason’s mother said, “This is the first moment Jason has ever succeeded and could be proud of himself. I look at autism as a Berlin Wall, and he cracked it.” But Jason’s success touched many more lives than his own, as those who celebrated with him experienced the selfless joy of delighting in others.

—Jim Aroune, “Beyond Rudy: Athena Senior Inspires” rnews.com (February 17, 2006)