Impressive display of sportsmanship

To the editor:

As the grandfather of a 9th grade basketball player, I was at the game described by Lynda Waddington in her Feb. 14 column 'Love on display at last game”. I joined all those in the gym in standing to cheer for the 3-pointer made by the special-needs student. I also was at the team's next game on Thursday in Oelwein to witness an even more impressive show of sportsmanship.

At the end of that game the student came in late in the game. After Oelwein missed a shot he broke down the floor and was open under the basket. A teammate passed him the ball and he tried a layup from directly under the basket. (This is a hard shot for anyone.) It missed and the boy rebounded for another try. At that point not only his team, but all of the opponents hung back in a semicircle allowing him to try again until he made the lay up with the same elation of success he showed in the Feb. 10 game. Both teams displayed the sportsmanship that they are supposed to be learning.

It is an example of the good from sports. These 9th graders reassure my hope for the future of our country.

Bill Ashby

Clermont