A Real Good Mate

[Diamond_Jim 12,628]

Just read this article in the Guardian and found it really moving:

The boy whose commentary for his blind friend inspired his sporting heroes

When Sydney Swans players heard a 12-year-old boy had been commentating for his mate at one of their matches, they wanted to meet the two youngsters

 

.................." I barely looked at Buddy as I was focusing on Jarryd and Mark behind me. “What’s happening, mate?” Mark implored as Buddy strutted around the 50-metre line looking for the ball searching for his tenth goal. “Don’t worry Mark. I’ve got this,” replied Jarryd calmly. “OK. Buddy’s got it. He’s quite far out. Will he go for it? He’s going for it. It’s good and it’s his tenth goal! Buddy is on fire.” Mark hugged his football on his knees, feeling the defined stitching and laces with fingers, lost in the magic of Australian football brought to life by his friend. "

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/behind-the-lines/2017/sep/13/boy-commentate-blind-friend-inspired-sydney-swans

[poita 3,902]

Great story, thanks for sharing.

[Sir Why You Little 37,134]

How good is that...

[Ron Burgundy 8,584]

I am now 100% behind the Swans to win the flag this year.

Quality article, quality kids, quality club - thanks for sharing this.

 

[Its Time for Another 4,292]

Wish we'd had them playing for us in the last round

[praha 11,240]

14 minutes ago, Ron Burgundy said:

I am now 100% behind the Swans to win the flag this year.

Quality article, quality kids, quality club - thanks for sharing this.

 

As much as I love this story, there's little chance of me supporting a Swans flag. I'd rather Richmond win. I am sick of Sydney and Geelong.

[jane02 3,749]

What a beautiful story and a great couple of kids.

[Maldonboy38 6,406]

And you get the sense that the Swans players weren't just tolerating another fan story, that they were genuinely interested and inspired by both the boys. The whole club went way out of their way to make it all happen. Sometimes culture is difficult to explain - not when you read a story like that. Great sgory and well done to the Swans. 

[Diamond_Jim 12,628]

16 minutes ago, Maldonboy38 said:

And you get the sense that the Swans players weren't just tolerating another fan story, that they were genuinely interested and inspired by both the boys. The whole club went way out of their way to make it all happen. Sometimes culture is difficult to explain - not when you read a story like that. Great sgory and well done to the Swans. 

I agree... We often see stories about the players helping out sick children and well done to them for that. This story is about the two young boys and how one went that special distance for his mate. As you say it is the essence of sport and is inspiring to everyone.

Did you happen to notice the following :

"Although Mark cannot see anymore, his passion for the Swans has not ebbed. Armed with his cane, which he calls “Michael” – his favourite film is the Italian Job – he goes to the stadium and normally listens to streamed radio commentary that complements the roar of the crowd."

Priceless ... for those who don't get the reference I'm sure others will assist

[Sir Why You Little 37,134]

6 minutes ago, Diamond_Jim said:

I agree... We often see stories about the players helping out sick children and well done to them for that. This story is about the two young boys and how one went that special distance for his mate. As you say it is the essence of sport and is inspiring to everyone.

Did you happen to notice the following :

"Although Mark cannot see anymore, his passion for the Swans has not ebbed. Armed with his cane, which he calls “Michael” – his favourite film is the Italian Job – he goes to the stadium and normally listens to streamed radio commentary that complements the roar of the crowd."

Priceless ... for those who don't get the reference I'm sure others will assist

"We are the Self Preservation Society..."

[Its Time for Another 4,292]

8 minutes ago, Diamond_Jim said:

I agree... We often see stories about the players helping out sick children and well done to them for that. This story is about the two young boys and how one went that special distance for his mate. As you say it is the essence of sport and is inspiring to everyone.

Did you happen to notice the following :

"Although Mark cannot see anymore, his passion for the Swans has not ebbed. Armed with his cane, which he calls “Michael” – his favourite film is the Italian Job – he goes to the stadium and normally listens to streamed radio commentary that complements the roar of the crowd."

Priceless ... for those who don't get the reference I'm sure others will assist

Priceless. Especially for such a young kid. And doubly priceless as its the original Italian Job not the dud remake. 

There's also another side piece of relevance that I'm sure he wouldn't know to that nickname. The actor's real name was Maurice Micklewhite. His agent said he had to change his name and he walked past a cinema where the Caine Mutiny was playing and thought that'll do. I'll change it to Michael Caine.  Now you add that to the story and you get a guide cane called Michael. 

Full of useless information. 

[Forest Demon 4,681]

Saw the news story on these two, and it was really touching. Little legends the both of them.

[Robbie57 2,022]

Jarryd is a true legend. Fantastic friend. And well done to the swannies. 

[deebug 1,754]

The next time any one asks what does Australia and Australians stand for tell them about these wonderful young  boys.

[Pennant St Dee 13,305]

Beautiful and inspiring story