For Michael Hansen, being on the basketball team is a big deal
By Jo Mathis/AAPS District News Editor
The Scarlett Middle School vs. Forsythe Middle School A Team basketball game is always an anticipated matchup.
But Thursday night was special for another reason.
The benches on both sides of the gym cleared when Michael Hansen, a 14-year-old eighth grader at Forsythe Middle School who has Down syndrome, made a basket.
The memorable moment resulted from careful planning between Forsythe head coach Andre Bond II and Scarlett Middle School head coach Larry Williams, who collaborated to create this opportunity for Michael.
“It made me feel really good deep inside,” said Bond, who serves as both head basketball coach and paraeducator at Forsythe. “I’ve known Michael for a while, and to see the growth he has made is amazing! He’s like an angel in my eyes, and I’m pretty sure most of the guys on the team look at him as a brother. To see that shot go up and go in, and everybody—even Scarlett’s team—celebrating with him does so much for my heart!”
Michael’s journey to the basketball court began with encouragement from his peers. After successfully making it through tryouts, he earned his spot on the seventh and eighth-grade “A Team” through dedication and hard work, never missing a practice, and consistently demonstrating his commitment to the sport.
The spirit of sportsmanship extended even beyond Michael’s basket. Forsythe Co-curricular Director Delia Powell noticed something different about this particular rivalry game.
“One thing I noticed that was different from past games was that players from opposing teams were helping each other up off the floor when they got fouled,” she said. “A small detail with profound implications.”
The game itself remained competitive, with Scarlett ultimately prevailing 54-48.
Sitting in the stands, Marilyn Hansen was thrilled for her son.
“When he was born, a pediatrician told us that he wouldn’t amount to anything, and we should forget any dreams we had for this kid,” she says. ” My job is to support Michael’s dreams. He wanted to play basketball with all his friends. We are so thankful that our AD and coaches were willing to work with that. You’d think he would be the last kid picked for any team, but they were so open to it. Michael is on the “A” team with his friends.”
Scarlett Coach Larry Williams said it was amazing to witness.
“It was the coolest thing ever to be a part of and for that moment to happen so naturally!” he said. “To see two rival schools show us why we love sports and why sportsmanship is so important in sports. It was amazing to see! It was heartwarming to see. I told my boys to clear the bench as well and enjoy the moment and they were all for it. “
What did Michael—who has a speech and language disorder called apraxia—say about his big moment?
Recalls his mother: “He said, `Michael….Winner!’ He’s a man of few words, but he makes them count.”
She said she’s heard from staff that Michael is accepted by his peers.
“But seeing it is different,” she said. “Both benches cleared, both teams celebrating his basket with him, the stands erupted, and spectators were also on their feet. If only the whole world knew this level of acceptance.
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