Philadelphia 76ers sign special needs teen

By: Bong Lozada - 10 years ago

MANILA, Philippines—Franchises usually sign free agents that can help their team get the Larry O’Brien trophy, but one ball club just wants to fulfil a kid’s dream.

The Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday morning (Manila time) signed high school senior Kevin Grow who has Down syndrome to a “ceremonial two-day contract,” sports website Bleacher Report said.

According to the 76ers official announcement of the signing, Grow has become an “inspiration” to the team and staff.

“Grow has become an inspiration to the Sixers organization, as his story has swept the nation,” the announcement said.

The 18-year-old Grow was featured on a YouTube video posted on Feb. 8 in which he drained four three-pointers and a buzzer beater, en route to 14 points, for his high school’s varsity basketball team, which he served as the team’s manager for four years.

As part of the contract, Grow would eat dinners at the players’ lounge, go around the practice facility and receive official Sixers gear.

Grow would also join the team for shoot-around at the end of the practice session before the Sixers host the Cleveland Cavaliers of Feb. 19.

Lastly, Grow and the Sixers would take the floor during a timeout for a “special presentation.”