Every year Sports Illustrated Kids awards children ages 7-15 who show phenomenal sportsmanship through their achievement in school, their communities and sports. It is exciting news to announce the SportsKid of the Year winner …….Jack Wellman of Newtown, Connecticut. Jack was chosen for the leadership, dedication, and spirit he showed following last winter’s horrible tragedy in his hometown.
Like most kids, Jack Wellman loves sports. Until last year, he wrestled and played football and lacrosse; however, a bad injury sidelined him. Instead of sitting out, Jack decided he wanted to stay involved and give back by coaching. Even though he was just 13, he became a valuable mentor to a group of young wrestlers.
Jack’s leadership, kindness, and spirit were exactly what his community of Newtown needed when it suffered a terrible tragedy last winter. It inspired Jack to be as active as ever. He found ways to help his town heal through sports and beyond. Jack’s big heart and determination to help his community are reasons why he is the 2013 Sports Illustrated Kids SportsKid of the Year! Congrats to Jack!
See more about Jack’s story below:
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What a great story…glad he could continue by coaching!
Very neat story! Love seeing people get the recognition like this! Thanks for sharing!
That’s so neat! Way to keep going when he could have easily given up.
What a great kid. It’s nice to see him get recognition! My nephew just recently started getting SI Kids and he loves it!
Congratulations to Jack! It’s great that he could have such a mature mindset after something bad happened to him. What a great attitude. 🙂
How inspirational! Both my kids are active in competitive sports. Hoping they learn from other players like Jack.
Very inspiring story, it is great to see kids help out when tragedy strikes.
Congrats Jack! It’s always great to read about kids doing great things and that he understands the importance of giving back – that he wants to coach himself one day.
Aww this is soo cool … I love that Sports Illustrated Kids is highlighting not just the sports but the person … I am going to show this to my son … such an inspiration … his loves are football, soccer and track … in that order
What an inspirational young man- to adults as well as kids!
What a great young man. I hope more kids strive to be like him.
This is wonderful. I love that SI does this and I’m so happy for Jack and his community at such an honor and tribute…