James Meiergerd is a High School student in Nebraska, US. He supports his High School basketball team and attends all their games. Last week during half time he attempted a trick shot in front of the crowd. His friend joined him on court as he attempted a backward half court basket; this is where you stand in centre court with your back to the basket and throw the ball over your head. The first shot didn't get in the basket but James kept trying; after a few shots the crowd started cheering on James and on the tenth attempt he sunk the basket.
The shot was caught on camera and has gone viral. James has been featured on American news and the Globetrotters have asked James to meet them.
James has down syndrome. He has a facebook page "Winner with Down syndrome" which says, "I want people to be aware that children and adults with disabilities should not have limits". On the page James's Mum says, "(James) teaches us all what true strength is, unconditional ,love, acceptance, and inclusion to everyone he meets."
What do you see in the picture?
What do you think is happening?
explain the story
- Did James know for certain he was going to sink the ball?
- Why did James get up in front of the huge crowd and risk failure in front of everyone?
- The first 9 shots did not get in the basket; why did James carry on?
- The crowd started cheering; why?
- Why did people go wild when the ball hit the basket? Would the crowd have the same reaction if James had sunk the basket on the first attempt? Why not? What does this show?
- Why does James have "Winner with down syndrome" as his Facebook page. Is James always winning? Why does he use that word; what is he trying to show people?
- What does he mean by "children and adults with disabilities should have no limits"?
- James's mum says true strength is "inclusion for everyone"; what does she mean?
- What can we learn form James?
- Why is this story about No Outsiders?
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