Print
E-mail
Share
delicious
digg
Newsvine
Facebook
Stumble
Technorati
reddit
Fark
twitter
Jason “J-Mac” McElwain will be featured at the UNLV basketball game Nov. 20 against Northern Arizona.
McElwain, diagnosed as autistic, scored 20 points in less than five minutes of a high school game two years ago in New York.
A senior and the team’s manager, that was the only varsity game McElwain ever played.
ESPN and CBS reported on his feat, which has become popular on the internet. He met President Bush, appeared on Oprah’s TV show and won an ESPY at ESPN’s annual awards banquet.
He will be honored at halftime of the Rebels game. The Clark County School District is a partner in the event, which will pay tribute to those in the school district who assist children with autism.
"Jason's story is a great basketball story, but it’s an even better life story," said UNLV coach Lon Kruger. "It brought hope to a lot of people. We're honored to have him involved with UNLV basketball.
“More importantly, we're honored to have him involved in saying 'thank you' to the teachers in Southern Nevada who work with our children diagnosed with autism every day. They are special people."
That afternoon, McElwain and his mother, Debbie, will make a presentation to teachers in the CCSD as well as parents of children diagnosed with autism at Valley High School.
The CCSD is in dire need of teachers and support staff who work with children diagnosed as being on the autistic spectrum. Thus, it is crucial that such teachers and staff are retained at a higher rate.
"This is a special event for our teachers," said Dr. Walt Rulffes, superintendent of the CCSD. "It’s a simple 'thank you.' They do so much for our community and we are pleased to be able to give them this opportunity."
Post a comment
Commenting requires registration.
Comments are moderated by Las Vegas Sun editors. Our goal is not to limit the discussion, but rather to elevate it. Comments should be relevant and contain no abusive language. Full comments policy.