Patrick Thibodeau – When Sports Gets it Right
February 6th, 2009 at 11:37 amBy Chris
Introducing Patrick Thibodeau, who, as pointed out by Bootlegger Sports (via Deadspin), represents what’s right about sports. Not agents or talk of steroids or contract disputes. No, Patrick’s story demonstrates the beauty sports can produce. You see, Patrick was born with Down’s syndrome and has been the manager for his basketball team — the Greely High Rangers — since his freshman year.
Fast forward to Patrick’s senior year and Greely’s last basketball game of the season and you have the makings of something beautiful: Greely coach Ken Marks allowing Patrick to take the floor with the team he’d managed and practiced with for four years. Marks even allowed his team manager to be a starter, in order for Patrick to be introduced to the crowd and congratulated for his perseverance. But the fun didn’t end there. During his initial appearance, Patrick hit a 3-pointer, much to the crowd’s delight.
Although he was taken out shortly after hitting his first 3, Patrick was put back in as the game was winding down. Showing a “never shy about letting it fly” mentality, Patrick hit another bomb as the crowd, and his teammates, exploded in cheers and celebration.
Thibodeau hit a pair of 3-point shots, one early in the game and the other late. The night was additionally special for Patrick as his father, Perry, the longtime team statistician, attended after suffering a stroke two weeks ago.
“It was an awesome moment,” said Greely Coach Ken Marks.
“We had talked about doing this. What better way to get Patrick on the floor than on Parents’ Night. We really appreciate the Gray players and coaches accepting it. I told their coach, Scott Flagg, to play the game the way he wanted to.”
As I was saying, there are times when sports just gets it right. In the case of Patrick Thibodeau, it’s safe to say this is one of those times.
February 6th, 2009 at 2:26 pm
My brother also has Down’s Syndrome. He is not as athletic as this kid, but he loves sports no less. He is 14 and goes to high school basketball games where he cheers as hard as anyone. In Saturday league basketball the kids his age are always willing to let him hit a shot. It makes me think sometimes that somehow our country is going to get back to where it used to be. Where we are more than willing to put someone’s dreams before our own and help one another, maybe one day we will get there.
February 6th, 2009 at 3:09 pm
Thanks for the comment Cody. I’ll be pulling for your brother in his basketball endeavors. And yes, things like this do give one hope.
February 24th, 2009 at 3:05 pm
Cody, Keep your brother involved and have your parents advocate. If your school system doesn’t have inclusion – Make some noise. We are very very lucky Patrick has been included as much as he has. It was the district’s Special Education Director – she believes All student can be included.
I wish you and your brother the best.
Cody, you sound like you love your brother very much. The love will only get stronger. Patrick has brothers that love him unconditionally. One in particular. It is wonderful for us as Patrick’s parents to see.