The “Sports Teams Being Nice To Kids” meme is moving forward nicely. First, a 7-year old with brain cancer got to run in a touchdown for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. He got his own card and even got to hang out with the President (and, I assume, grill him on his policies). East Carolina similarly honored a kid, and WWE Champion John Cena devoted a chunk of Raw to introducing three Make-A-Wish kids as new WWE Superstars.
Now it’s soccer’s turn. Yeah, I’m glad nobody threw firecrackers and beer bottles at this kid, too.
Here’s Atticus Lane-Dupre, an awesomely-named kid with cancer who got the chance to play in front of more than 3,000 Portland Timbers, score four goals and win the game for his ‘Green Machine.’ He got to exchange jerseys with team captain Will Johnson after the game and everything. At the end of the day, it’s just a video of a normal kid having a hell of a lot of fun playing soccer, and sometimes that’s worth celebrating, even without the inspirational story.
When Atticus had the chance to make a wish, he chose to scrimmage the Timbers at JELD-WEN Field, home of the Timbers. Prior to Wednesday’s game, Atticus was outfitted with his own locker next to Timbers captain Will Johnson, while he and his family were given a behind-the-scenes tour of the Timbers locker room and workout facilities. Additionally, head coach Caleb Porter introduced Atticus to the team before the Timbers pre-training meeting.
Atticus, his family and friends also will enjoy a unique game-day experience during the Timbers’ home match Thursday, May 2, against the New England Revolution as part of his wish.(via PortlandTimbers.com)
The best part is his ‘Man Of The Match’ interview:
Atticus Lane-Dupre, Man of the Match
On why he chose to play the Timbers for his wish, and be able to include his teammates:
“Because usually kids just choose to go to Disneyland with their family or getting something and I chose something that lots of people could do.”
On which of his four goals was his favorite:
“The one where I nutmegged Will Johnson.”
On what it was like to play in front of the Timbers Army and against the Timbers:
“Exciting.”
We’re rooting for you, Atticus.
