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Connecticut's David Gordon, other physically disabled kids compete in super derby event
By Bill Lilley
Beacon Journal staff writer
Published on Saturday, Jul 25, 2009
The trophy David Gordon received last July when he finished third in the Super Kids competition at the All-American Soap Box Derby sits in the middle of the dining table in his family's home in North Haven, Conn.
''It was the greatest moment of his life,'' said his mother, Carol Gordon. ''He still talks about it.''
Friday afternoon, David lost both of his races in the Super Kids competition, especially designed for children with physical disabilities.
What was his reaction after being eliminated from today's championship?
''Racing in the Soap Box Derby is the greatest,'' the 14-year-old said. ''I've been racing five years and it's always a thrill just to be with the people. I love the people and I love to race.''
Carol Gordon said every time the family comes to Akron, her son leaves a winner, just like all of the other Super Kids who race down the 989-foot hill in special two-seater cars with teenage volunteers as co-pilots.
''Even though he lost both races, he still feels like a winner because everybody always treats him like a winner when he's in Akron,'' said his mother, who specializes in cancer research at Yale University. ''Coming to Akron each year is definitely a real bright spot in our lives.''
David has Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome, which is the partial deletion of the short arm of chromosome 4.
''He wasn't supposed to ever be able to even walk or talk,'' said his father, Alan Gordon, a semiretired financial consultant. ''He didn't eat on his own for the first eight years of his life.
''We weren't concerned about him racing. We were concerned about him surviving.''
The 4-foot-8 David isn't just a Soap Box Derby racer: He also participates in horseback riding, challenger baseball, Boy Scouts, Special Olympics track and field, downhill skiing, bowling and floor hockey.
He also threw out the first pitch at Citi Field in New York before a Mets home game June 23.
''He truly is a miracle child when you consider all he's overcome,'' his father said.
''David keeps us going all the time,'' his mother said. ''But we don't mind because he's so happy when he's busy.
''He has so much enthusiasm for
everything he does.''
But she said the activity that gives him the most fun is the Soap Box Derby.
The Gordons left a camping trip in Cape Cod Thursday morning and flew from Boston to Akron-Canton Airport.
''He loves coming to Akron because of all the special attention all of the people at the race give him. It really makes him feel special,'' David's mother said. ''They make a big deal over these kids and that makes it a wonderful event for the kids.''
Six Super Kids — Landon Scott of Trifalgar, Ind.; Alexander Martin of Buck Creek, Ind.; Jaden Leland of Salem; Nick Beckman of Logan; Kyle Bolen of Hanging Rock; and Cody Nelson of Huntington, W. Va. — qualified to compete today for the championship.
Although David won't be in the finals, that doesn't mean he won't be back.
''I want to race all through 18,'' he said. ''I'm really happy I have four more years to race''.
Carol Gordon said her son enjoys going to Akron Aeros baseball games and Akron Racers softball games while he's in town.
But, of course, his biggest thrill is going down the hill at Derby Downs.
''I didn't win this year, but I can't wait until next year to come back and race again,'' David said. ''Akron is great and the All-American Soap Box Derby is great.
''I wouldn't miss racing for anything.''
Bill Lilley can be reached at 330-996-3811 or blilley@thebeaconjournal.com.
The trophy David Gordon received last July when he finished third in the Super Kids competition at the All-American Soap Box Derby sits in the middle of the dining table in his family's home in North Haven, Conn.
Get the full article here.
Comments
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Tallmadge, OH
Posted 09:16 AM, 07/25/2009
The Derby may soon end. No national sponsor and local government like Akron without funds to support. Will this be the last year? Stay tuned!
Methron, OH
Posted 09:59 AM, 07/25/2009
If anything goes wrong, i'll fund it grump, fyi ima make sure the NIHOF stay heres too.
akron, oh
Posted 10:12 AM, 07/25/2009
Get rid of 5 deputy mayors and take the 500k and support the Derby!!!!
Posted 11:35 AM, 07/25/2009
Have a Great Day all you good Champs and your familiy and friends !
Today is a very emotional day for all of them from all around the world literally.
