Basketball is a great way to build confidence and a sense of accomplishment. Aside from socialization, it allows players to focus on having the most fun and playing the game.
Basketball is often known for its competitiveness, but under the surface, it is a great venue to provide the opportunity for those who struggle to try the sport out and feel included.
Teamwork is an essential element of the sport. On top of that, feeling like part of the team is a comforting feeling that builds confidence, acceptance, and appreciation of oneself.
This could be the situation for Carson Watters, a 15-year-old boy with Down syndrome who never thought he could play until he was given a chance.
Watters was the equipment manager of the basketball team and never expected a shot at playing on the team itself. However, the team felt it was high time for him to play, and the coaches said he deserved it.
The positive effects of playing basketball
Basketball is a great sport to compete in while feeling like part of the team, and this is something not many people get the chance to do.
This was especially true for Watters, who had Down syndrome and couldn’t play basketball with the team.
Instead, he decided to take up the role of equipment manager and still help the team in any way he could. Finally, he was given a chance to play with the team.
Carson’s mother, Mary Watters, already knew the plan of the coach to sub for Carson later in the game, but the boy had no idea this would happen.
She shared how Carson had been struggling during his first year and that being able to play had a hugely positive effect on him.
Why this matters
The good that came from Carson’s involvement in the basketball game was his mother saying that they were encouraged to allow their son to participate in potential mainstream activities in the future.
Mary noted that she hoped Carson’s playing basketball would encourage other parents to allow their children to participate in more mainstream activities.
She noted that the general public was more accepting than she initially expected them to be, saying that other parents should do the same despite the ability or differences of their children.
How Carson did in the match
Carson wasn’t just given a shot to pretend to play, but to play with the team while the clock was running.
His teammates passed him the ball, and he did not rest as he attempted to take his shot at scoring for the Iron Horses, his high school basketball team.
Carson was able to score for the team and even told ABC reporters after the match that he could make his lay-up.
Mary shared how she saw her son’s face when he was called to play during the game. Since he didn’t expect anything, his face showed both confusion and appreciation that he was allowed to play with the team.
Carson’s love for basketball
Although not one of the official players, Carson Watters took up the equipment manager role, assisting the team with their equipment.
According to his coaches, he was a freshman at Philip Simmons High School and reportedly worked hard and deserved a chance to play basketball on the actual court.
Carson spent the whole year training as a player-manager with the team and, although he loved the sport, did not expect that he would get the chance to play on the team while the clock was running.
This was meaningful to both him and his mom, as it showed that despite having Down syndrome, he could still participate in a sport he loved and would spend much of his time watching.
In conclusion
Carson’s participation in the high school basketball game is an inspiration not just to other colleges, but also to parents of kids with Down syndrome.
As his mother puts it, parents of children with abilities or differences shouldn’t be afraid to give their child a chance to compete in other mainstream activities.
Despite his differences, Carson shows the world the importance of being given a small opportunity to try something he showed much interest in.
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