A Gwinnett County high school student realized a lifelong dream Friday.
Brookwood High School senior Jacob Oldknow, who has cerebral palsy, persuaded basketball coach Daniel Bowles to let him play in his first game.
And it’s on Senior Night.
“It means a lot,” Oldknow, 17, said in an interview.
Oldknow, a sports enthusiast, has managed the basketball team and other teams at the school for several years. His duties include being in charge of the teams’ Twitter accounts. He’s also been a motivational speaker for the teams, helping the players understand the privilege they have to play a sport that he cannot.
“He’s our biggest fan and biggest supporter,” Bowles said.
Oldknow and Coach Bowles discussed the idea of the student playing in a game. Oldknow would start the game and be substituted for another player shortly after tipoff. They discussed the plan with the Georgia High School Association and the opposing team. They talked about it with the players. Everyone was on board with the plan, Bowles said.
Oldknow, who was also this school year’s homecoming king, was thrilled. Like any player, Oldknow focused in an interview on the team.
It’s not about him, he said. But he’s aware of the significance his brief time on the court will have on students with cerebral palsy to dream like he did and achieve their own dreams.
“I hope to be an inspiration,” he said. “But it’s a credit to the community and the coaches to allow me to do this.”
About the Author
