Teammates Help Basketball Player with Cerebral Palsy Score

All it takes is ten minutes (or less) on a national news channel or social media platform to start feeling discouraged about the state of the world. From international crises to national and local tragedies, it’s easy to feel like the bad outweighs the good when it comes to today’s society. But every so often, we see a story that reminds us that there is still a wealth of goodness in the world. And today’s story of a basketball team who made sure that their teammate had a chance to score is one of the best we’ve seen in awhile.

Nine-year-old Austin Weaver of Parkersburg, West Virginia, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of three. The disease, which inhibits coordination and movement, can be debilitating to its victims. However, Austin has not let the disease stand in the way of following his passion for basketball. As a member of a local boys’ basketball team, Austin is not afraid to take to the court and give it his all.

However, as you can imagine, it’s tough being smaller, and sometimes slower, than other players, especially in a fast-paced game like basketball. Fortunately for Austin, his teammates don’t see his limitations, only his potential. That’s why in the last game of the season this March, Austin’s teammates turned his dream of scoring a basket into a reality in the final moments of the game.

Watch as Austin’s teammate, Grayson Ford (#50), stops at nothing to make sure that Austin has not only one, but two chances to shoot the ball, and guides him to a basket in the final shot. If Grayson himself doesn’t warm your heart with his kindness, then Austin’s reaction to scoring will surely have you smiling – and grabbing for a tissue at the same time.

Thanks to Austin’s mom, Christina Weaver, who posted the video on Facebook (along with her heartfelt thanks to Austin’s teammates, coaches, and fans), this beautiful moment has gone viral with reshares from national and international news’ agencies, including a spot on World News Tonight and the following Facebook repost from ESPN.

Not only do we want to applaud Austin for his perseverance, but we want to thank Grayson for reminding us that kindness will always win.

Way to go, boys!

For more heartwarming family-friendly videos like this one, be sure to check out our entire Share Saturday series – only on Richmond Mom!