Jason McElwain (aka “J-mac”) an autistic boy going to school at Rochester, New York’s, Greece Athena High School was the manager of the basketball team in 2006. As manager his main responsibilities were motivating the players, handing out water, and attending to the needs of the team. On February 16, 2006 during a division title game against Spencerport High School, things changed a little bit. Jason got to suit up for the game, wearing #52. Originally the plan was to let Jason suit up and feel what it was like to wear the uniform and be a part of the line-up. After Greece Athena took a substantial lead, coach Jim Johnson signaled to Jason to get into the game with 4 minutes left. The rest, as they say, was history. Jason went on to score 20 points in 4 minutes, sinking 6 three pointers and one 2 pointer. Jason’s last three pointer was a buzzer beater that turned the crowd into a frenzy.

Jason’s efforts over the years as the teams manager earned him a spot in the game, his efforts in that game earned him a spot in history. He gained national recognition and become an local celebrity. During the 2006 Espy awards, Jason was nominated for and won the Espy for Best Moment in Sports, beating out Kobe Bryant’s 81 point game. Jason also got to meet President Bush in March of 2006, who later told Jason he wept upon seeing the video of his time in the game.

Jason’s story shows us all that when we are given the chance to shine, we should take the moment for all it is worth.

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