Matt Woodrum is an 11 year old boy with Cerebral Palsy. Although he was given the option to sit out during his school’s Field Day, he chose to compete in the 400-meter race. Despite his disability he completed the two laps around the track in under 5 minutes, and in the process inspired not just his classmates, but everyone else who has been touched by his story.
As Matt tires partway through, his gym teacher joins his side to encourage the 5th grader to continue. Inspired by his strength, fellow classmates begin to jog behind him with cheers – even abandoning their own activities to be there with him as he crosses the finish line. The best part of the entire thing? No one knew it was being filmed, besides the boy’s mom who was behind the camera!
Stories like this warm my heart – children can be wonderful reminders of how, when we stop focusing on self, we discover our natural instincts are actually to love and support each other.
The Hand-Written Life 
Oh my! Thank you for sharing that. I bawled the whole time and can’t seem to stop. Kindness and inspiration comes in all forms.
It really does, and sometimes in the most unexpected places! I’m so glad it touched you, I’m sorry for making you cry so much though! It’s nearly impossible to watch without sobbing, I should have put some sort of warning in the post :)
hahaha…..yeah with a disclaimer that the price of kleenex is not part of admission. ;)
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Made me cry. As someone who also has CP, it touched my heart even more. <3
I was crying as well! I’m so glad it moved you <3 Thank you much for stopping by and commenting!
beautiful boy..beautiful coach..beautiful kids…beautiful mom…thanks for sharing this. <3
I couldn’t agree more! Thank YOU! <3
Oh that is a most wonderful story! I choked up! What a strong person he is and how lovely to see that we as human beings can support others. Thanks for sharing this and reinstating my faith in mankind.
:)
He is incredibly strong, isn’t he? I have to admit, I was in awe of him the whole time, I’m so glad it moved you as well! :)
Yes very
:)
My memory of childhood was that kids could be pretty mean. It’s nice to know it is not always like that.
That was my memory as well! I agree, it was definitely heart-warming to see that there are people out there raising their kids to be compassionate.
hi, i just nominated you for the wonderful team member readership award!!! :-)
Thank you so much! I’ll be sure to check it out!! :)
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Oh my gosh, Diana, I feel so honored! Thank you so much for your kind words, seriously, you made my day!!
Glad to hear it! You made mine with your post – I was crying…no sobbing through the whole thing!
I was too!!
Me as well!!
What a wonderful share, a true inspiration to anyone feeling they are down and out… the tenacity of the lad is heart rendering… and I would award him the saying that he “Laughs in the face of adversity” and to him go the honours of showing the world what can be done if you want to… lovely share… thank you…
I couldn’t have said it better! How very true, if he tackles the rest of the challenges in life with the same tenacity he faced this race with, he will go quite far in life. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for the comment!
Thanks Andrea for sharing that wonderful story. It is very encouraging. When we are going through a rough patch, reading about others who have been successful with even less to work with, is inspiring indeed.
I feel the same way :) I’m so glad you found it inspiring as well!
Dude. What a great story. Nice post.
Isn’t it though? Thank you, I’m glad you liked it!
Thanks Andrea for a wonderful post – cried all th way through. Very uplifting in restoring my faith in the human spirit. Diana sent me. I am so glad to have found you.
Thank you for stopping by and commenting! I’m so glad you enjoyed it, I cried all the way through as well.
Reblogged this on Momentum of Joy and commented:
Watch this without crying – I dare you! ;) Beautiful post Andrea.
:) Thank you Jo!
I know, right? You’d have to have a heart of stone not to cry!
Cried! I shared this on my fb page!
It’s definitely share-worthy, isn’t it? So glad you enjoyed it and passed it along :)
If one can watch this without crying they’re way stronger than me!! What a wonderful testament to this boy and his friends.
I don’t know how you could manage to watch it without crying! I couldn’t even tell my mom about it without crying, haha!
It really is such a fantastic display of friendship and love.
I thought so too..
So heart warming ~
I forgot to add, while watching I had a movie on in the background and it was at that point where the music was climatic and it took me a while to realize it was the movie and not this clip!! Perfect timing for such a heroic little guy. Those children are our future – praise God!
:) I love that it lined up like that, what a perfect little moment.
It really is such an inspiration to see children full of such kindness and love! Blessings to you!
Isn’t it? :)
Wonderful – thanks for sharing this.
My pleasure!
Reblogged this on A Grateful Man and commented:
Matt’s legs may have issues, but his heart and spirit are huge. Thank you Andrea for sharing this inspiring post.
Russ
Thank you so much for the re-post, Russ! I’m glad it touched you as much as it did me.
When there is so much animus and lack of civility, it’s refreshing and heartening to see this!! This man has done a wonderful job with these children, as have their parents. And way to go, Matt!!
Very well put, there is so much talk of bullying in schools etc, it’s lovely to see positive reminders as well! They said the coach has been working with kids for 25 years – I can only imagine how many kids he helped and lives he touched. Truly the kind of person we need working with our youth!
A tear jerker – a beautiful one though!
Isn’t it though? I’m glad you enjoyed it!