Blind Kings Park Middle School student chases running dreams with help from two coaches
Kings Park seventh grader Owen Chapman said he wanted to be part of the track team this season, something that would be a remarkable feat.
More Stories
The season is over for the Kings Park Middle School track team, but it was one to remember for one boy, two coaches and the bond they build along the way.
Kings Park seventh grader Owen Chapman said he wanted to be part of the track team this season, something that would be a remarkable feat.
Chapman is blind. When he was three, doctors discovered he had a brain tumor. Medication shrunk it, but it’s still in his brain, and his vision was severely damaged.
In class, a special computer helps Chapman learn. On the track, two special coaches help him run.
Everyday, coaches Liz Manly and Tom Edmundson used a simple plastic strap to tether themselves to Chapman, allowing for his feet, and confidence, to take off.
It wasn’t easy at first, especially as the coaches worried about Chapman falling. But Chapman was only worried about competing.
In eight meets this season, they chased their goals and better and better times.
“I hope they see this and say well if that boy can do it, I can do it,” says Chapman.
