I've been slowly compiling a large number of inspirational stories, some that are so heart-warming they almost make me tear up. It's my goal to share them in the hopes that people don't forget just how much sports can help, and change, and inspire people for the better.
People around the nation are familiar with the tragedy that occurred in Newtown, Connecticut on December 20th, 2012. That was the day when Adam Lanza killed his mother at home, then drove to nearby Sandy Hook Elementary School where he shot and killed 20 children and six adults.
I remember when I first learned about it while I was in Washington State on my winter vacation from Dartmouth College. For me, it was a horrible atrocity that I couldn't fathom but when I logged onto Facebook, I read the shock that was permeating my entire social sphere. A few of my friends lived near Newtown and knew of the area, while several others worked in Boston or New York City, and they were even more shocked then I was because of the greater personal connection.
Coping with such tragedy, especially that of an intensely personal nature, is a tragedy in and of itself. Which is why I've found it so heart-warming to read about the different tributes people and players have done for the victims of Newtown.
Such as Victor Cruz writing "RIP Jack Pinto" on his shoes for a game against Atlanta, or George Mason wrestlers writing Jack Pinto's name on their head gear.
ESPN aired a truly heart-warming tribute to Josephine Gay, who was an autistic child that couldn't speak. She was looking forward to her birthday party with her fellow classmates before she was killed. Her parents have since started a charity that helps autistic children called "Joey's Fund" which, by December 17th, 2013, has raised $200,000.
I was at the gym running on a treadmill when I saw the debut of the segment, and heart-warming doesn't do enough to describe all the emotion the tribute contains.
There's also the Newtown High School football team. Nicknamed the Nighthawks, the team embarked on a memorable season that finished with a perfect 12-0 record in the regular season. Players wore a decal with the number "26" all season, and earned the No. 1 seed in the playoffs. Unfortunately, the team would lose 35-33 in the quarterfinals when a two-point conversion attempt failed.
Even the basketball team is having a magical season of sorts. With some nail-biting wins and eight victories in its last nine games, the Nighthawks have qualified for state tournament play.
I know the community of Newtown would rather have its children and teachers back alive, safe and sound instead of the magical seasons, but I for one am personally glad that some smiles and happiness are slowly returning to the small town. I can only hope it continues.
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