Peter Butkus is a high school senior and the starting center for his school’s varsity basketball team despite being legally blind. He has been nominated for most inspirational high school athlete.
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“I just wanted to be part of the team.”
What a thing to say.
Peter used to have 20/20 vision. He began to lose his vision in the fourth grade, as a result of his Stargardt Disease, a degenerative condition.
There is of course a difference between “legally blind” and literally not having vision. But it should not diminish your understanding of what he is accomplishing by playing ball at the level he does. Peter will never be allowed to drive a car. He can’t see things even a few feet away. Imagine being so radically impaired and still playing the way he plays in the videos above.
Peter never asked for any special treatment and has not been given any. He just wants to be a part of the team. A great example of someone overcoming any obstacle to do what they love.