TANNER —
Sporting events aren’t always about winning. At least that’s what a Tanner student proved last weekend at the Alabama Special Olympics at Troy University.
On Saturday, a group of more than 30 special athletes from Limestone County traveled south for the annual event. One of those students, Joshua Kyle Stanley, won a gold medal in the softball throw; but it was in another event that Stanley made his mark. The 16-year-old Tanner student chose to help a fellow athlete rather than going for another gold medal in the 100-meter dash.
Paired with four other kids his age, Stanley saw one of his competitors take a fall mid way through the race. With a chance to still win the100-meter dash, Stanley stopped in his tracks and walked back to help his fallen competitor.
“I was very proud of Joshua for going back and seeing if that boy was alright,” said Tanner special education teacher Susan Harrell. “When it comes to special needs kids, I think they are very aware of each other. They are compassionate and concerned for one another. It’s what I would expect from Joshua. He is a wonderful young man.”
Stanley finished fifth in the race because he showed compassion for a fallen comrade. On a day when trophies and medals put smiles on these kids faces, Stanley won the biggest prize of all. After the organizers became of aware of his actions, Stanley was awarded a bronze medal in the race.
“For him, it was not about winning,” Harrell. “It was just simply doing your best and making sure your fellow athlete beside you is OK. It was just second nature for him.”
At the end of the day, Tanner left with eight gold medals, two silver medals, one bronze and three ribbons. But, as Stanley demonstrated, winning isn’t always what is most important in sports.
When asked why he did what he did, a shy Stanley gave the answer one would expect: “It was the right thing to do.”
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Related Photos
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Joshua Kyle Stanley runs in the 100-meter dash at the Limestone County Special Olympics held at Tanner in April. Jonathan Deal
Discussion
May 24, 2012
Tanner student shows there is more to sports than winning
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