Matt Steven, the 26-year-old blind man who made headlines a few years back after winning a championship basketball game for his CYO team by shooting two foul shots, doesn’t look at that accomplishment as a big deal. “That’s just how I live my life,” he told the fifth through eighth graders gathered in St. Bernadette’s gym one afternoon. He shared that he was nervous about letting his team down when he walked on to the court during the last seconds of the game, as anyone would be.

As anyone would be – blind or not blind – was the key message of the assembly that took place a week after the students participated in the school’s annual “Disability Day.” During that event, students shot baskets blindfolded or from wheelchairs. They played soccer using walkers. Partnered up with each other to communicate specific tasks to complete with tape covering their mouth or cotton balls in their ears. The activities offered students not only insight into what it is like to live with a disability, but that physical challenges don’t change what happens in your heart or mind.

“Everyone, disability or not has feelings,” Joe Steven, Matt’s older brother, told the captivated audience. “You have the power to make someone’s day.” That day on the court, Matt’s team made his day by continuing the routine of having him make the foul shots – even though they would most likely determine the outcome of the game. “That was the best act of sportsmanship I have seen in my entire life.” Joe and Matt shared the best part: the opposing team did not congratulate Matt at such a feat. Instead, they stampeded down the court to try to win the game in the final second. They weren’t successful, but the fact that they treated Matt like any other player was better than any accolades he could have received.

St. Bernadette School is dedicated to providing a quality Catholic Education for grades PreK through 8 ^th grade. The school is currently accepting applications.