Selflessness
By Tony Candela
Excerpted from my memoir “Stand Up Or Sit Out” (see below):
Once I heard about an amazing occurrence in the Paralympics. A developmentally delayed young lady, approaching the finish line and well in front in a racing competition, deliberately gave up her chance to win the event. Looking over her shoulder, she noticed a competitor fall to the ground. Instead of racing across the finish line, winning the race, and reveling in her victory or perhaps even returning to check on the athlete, the young lady stopped running, flagged down the other racers, and quickly convinced them to assist their fallen comrade. After helping the fallen racer to his feet, the group walked across the finish line as a single unit.
Anthony R. Candela, Author
Saying aloud what should not remain silent.
Books by Tony…
Stand Up Or Sit Out: Memories and Musings Of a Blind Wrestler, Runner, and All-around Regular Guy
A memoir about life lessons learned, especially through sports
Vision Dreams: A Parable
A sci-fi novella about how a dysfunctional society forces people to go to extremes, including four blind people who seek out artificial vision.
More About Tony…
Tony Candela has worked as a Rehabilitation Counselor, supervisor, manager consultant and administrator for more than 40 years in the field of blindness and visual impairment. His work has included promoting literacy and employment of blind persons and a special interest in enhancing the career preparation of blind persons who wish to work in the computer science field. He is a “retired” athlete, loves movies, sports, reading, writing, and music, including dabbling in guitar.