There are moments in sports that are special.  And then, there are special moments in sports that truly move you. You can’t predict when these moments come, but when they do, they are truly captivating.  And when the moment involves a youngster, it is often all the more special.

It was on this day, February 15th, 2006, that Jason McElwain scored 20 points in the final 4 minutes of a high school basketball game. Jason was a 17-year-old student with autism.  He was a manager of the basketball team, but his coach decided to activate him on the roster for the team’s final game.

When Jason entered the game the home crowd cheered, and the crowd then exploded when Jason made a basket.  Jason then caught fire, and when the final buzzer sounded he had made six three pointers and a two point basket.  The crowd ran onto the court in excitement and Jason became an overnight hero.  Radio and television programs across the country picked up the story and played highlights of the game.  Jason even got to meet President George W. Bush just one month after his memorable game.