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08-26-2021, 07:42 AM | |
Veteran
Join Date: Oct 2012
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Something Uplifting for a change.
https://www.klkntv.com/sarasota-man-...gravel-worlds/
Kids with "exceptionalities" (learning , physical, emotional and mental disabilities) often are either held back or made to feel they just sometimes cant do what others can. My nephew is the first autistic person to compete and finish Gravel Worlds. This kid (he is around 11-13 mentally) is an extremely hard working young man and we couldnt be more proud. Seeing the rest of those training with him really makes you take a step back for what simple things can bring so much joy. One of them learned to ride a bike for the first time and it was like he won the lottery. |
Posts: 1,517
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08-26-2021, 01:24 PM | #16 |
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Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Davis, CA
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Congratulations to your nephew for taking on such a challenge and for completing it! That's awesome!
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08-26-2021, 01:28 PM | #17 |
Fan since 1997
Join Date: Nov 2018
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Great story
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Posts: 2,696
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08-26-2021, 01:49 PM | #18 |
Live free or die hard
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Durango, CO
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Give the young man a 'well done' pat on the back for me as well.
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Posts: 27,107
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08-26-2021, 08:42 PM | #19 |
Veteran
Join Date: Oct 2012
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I will pass on the kind words.
On a funny note he turned 21 and his parents try to do what they can to make him feel as "normal" as possible. He really wanted to order his first beer one night. Fast forward a few weeks and he was at my shop at about 9:30 am. Beer in hand and chugging away. I say "Josh! Its 9:30 in the morning, what are you drinking beer for?!" His reply in a sarcastic voice ( and for an autistic kid sarcasm isnt generally their strong point) he says "I had McDonalds" and chugged away.... tough to argue that logic i guess |
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10-28-2021, 06:34 PM | #20 |
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Join Date: Oct 2012
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https://www.facebook.com/10595900426...3294209198757/
Thought you all might like to see this. My wife and I got to do a 5k with him last weekend but this is the story of his Gravel Worlds race. |
Posts: 1,517
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12-14-2021, 07:51 PM | #21 |
Veteran
Join Date: Oct 2012
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So got some cool news this week.
The organization GTFO did a documentary with my nephew and the other kids in the Adirondacks. It just got picked for short documentary at Cannes! https://youtu.be/ft3zyG4SKDM |
Posts: 1,517
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12-14-2021, 09:07 PM | #22 |
Certified Swiftie
Join Date: Dec 2021
Location: Taylor Swift's Entourage
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This is a great thread. Thanks for sharing this.
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Posts: 693
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12-14-2021, 09:48 PM | #23 |
"I'm with you fellers"
Join Date: Oct 2008
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Been teaching shop for 32 years.have had hundreds of special needs kids. They almost always do well and are good at following directions. They also have a tendency to make your day. My first year, 32 years ago, before they began putting special needs kids with the others, I was assigned to teach a sped woodworking class. The para assigned to assist me was more work than the kids.I would take two pieces of wood and nail them together and lift them with the nail. The para would clap every time. The kids would look at each other and shake their heads. It was hilarious and I did it every day. I still remember those kids.
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12-14-2021, 09:50 PM | #24 |
Has a particular set of skills
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: On the water
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That is so cool. Congrats to Josh!
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Posts: 80,014
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12-14-2021, 10:28 PM | #25 | |
Tip of the hat LIV Champs
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: ks
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Quote:
Heh this reminds me of a guy I knew well 20 some years ago when I worked with handicap residential and there was this guy named Leo who had no arms. I may have told this story before but I still find it remarkable. He had a car designed to help him drive with no arms. He liked to drink and ended up hitting a telephone pole. Asked why he was drinking and driving he said "because normal people drink and drive" . |
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Posts: 55,794
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12-17-2021, 07:51 AM | #26 |
(Sir/Yes Sir/Aye Aye Sir)
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Diving
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Gonna eat some crow.... I've been a huge critic of this D and they've proven that they can turn it around.
Great job D... |
Posts: 118,988
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04-10-2023, 04:06 PM | #27 |
Veteran
Join Date: Oct 2012
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Gravel World's is coming to Kansas this summer and Joshua (my nephew) is coaching an entire team of kids with disabilities, or what they call "exception-alities"
We will be there cheering him on! |
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04-10-2023, 04:16 PM | #28 |
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Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Kansas
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Good for him it’s nice to read a story like this from time to time instead of all the negative stuff.
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04-10-2023, 06:24 PM | #29 |
(Sir/Yes Sir/Aye Aye Sir)
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Diving
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OUTSTANDING! Make sure you let CP know if there's any way we can help.
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Posts: 118,988
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06-04-2023, 08:06 PM | #30 |
Veteran
Join Date: Oct 2012
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So Saturday Joshua did his first 100 mile race in Emporia Kansas, 10 hours total time and due to the weather had to carry his bike for 2 miles thru mud. At 64 miles he tells his trainer " I don't think I want to be Superman anymore".... His trainer reassured him that even Superman didn't always want to be, but because of his power he had a responsibility.
He then outpaced his coach for the last 36 miles and crossed the finish line fist pumping!! |
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