Coach Scott Hamilton has spend the last two years of his career making sure that special needs students at his high school can be a part of his football team. He developed a Player of the Day program, where a special needs athlete gets his own jersey and takes a part on the team’s pep rally, rides the bus to the event, and runs onto the field pre-game.
“It gives them a chance to be a part of something they don’t normally get to be a part of” Hamilton told Today News.
Hamilton has made it his goal to help his players and other students at Paulding County High School realize that victory isn’t always about winning; it’s about developing empathy and kindness towards others. “I’m showing these boys how to be men,” he says. “How to be the big tough guy, and still have a compassionate side.”
Local parents are very pleased with Hamilton’s actions. “We don’t get the opportunity to see our children [on the field] like everybody else does,” says one mother of a special needs student who recently participated in Player of the Day. Her words are vibrant despite the tears of happiness in her eyes. “I don’t think Coach Hamilton even realizes what [having these students participate] does.”
“For them and us,” her friend, another parent of a special needs student, adds thankfully.
Coach Hamilton hopes to be remembered for his actions, not just for his win-loss football records.
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