By Nomadic Chris, 5 January 2010

Which teams and athletes have overcome great challenges to reach their goals?

What underlying passions or motivation drove each team and individual to be their best?

A new year normally signals rebirth; the chance to achieve new goals and accomplishments. But to reach great new heights, people often have to overcome great challenges with grit. Sports will always be a great leveler where your background will not give you any real advantages; success comes from hard work and dedication. Here are some sports stories about overcoming great challenges…..

The Rebirth of the New Orleans Saints...
The NFL season is drawing to an exciting conclusion with the play-offs on the horizon. The main contenders such as the Patriots and the Colts are all in the mix but one team is again capturing the imagination of their entire city and alot of neutrals. Yes, the New Orleans Saints are on the march again!

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans. The slow emergency response and ineffective leadership saw many lives and homes lost. Those with the means to escape the city did so but those from the poorer communities had to remain in the city. One place they converged on was the Superdome. Before their eventual evacuation, those in the dome endured extreme conditions. The spiritual home of the Saints was now associated with crime and hopelessness. The Saints did not have a single NFL home game in 2005. The city, its people and the team were seemingly a lost cause…..

Rebirth! The Saints Come Marching in…
In 2006, the Saints resumed play at the Superdome hoping for a miracle. They got one in the form of inspirational quarterback Drew Brees and speedy Reggie Bush. Slowly, the Saints fortunes have turned upside down. This season the Saints are 13-3 in the NFC South and are one of the favorites to win the Superbowl.

The Saints are literally the heart and soul of New Orleans who see the rebirth of their team as a metaphor for the revival of their own personal lives. The city and its resilient people have endured tremendous suffering; the Saints have always given them hope and will continue to do so……

TERRY FOX AND THE MARATHON OF HOPE – A Symbol of Hope and Courage…
Terry Fox is a name forever associated with hope, inspiration and courage. Fox is considered one of Canada’s greatest heroes (Voted 2nd in 2004).

Terry was only 18 years old when he was diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma (bone cancer) and forced to have his right leg amputated 15 centimeters (six inches) above the knee in 1977. It was his time in hospital that he witnessed the suffering of other cancer sufferers especially children. With a sense of empathy and conviction, he decided to draw upon his passion for sports as a means to help others. Fox decided to run across the entire breath of Canada to raise both funds and awareness for Cancer research. To prepare, he trained for 18 months and ran over 5000 km. His epic feat began in St. John’s, Newfoundland on April 12, 1980. There was little coverage at this point but this would soon change. Fox would rise at 4.30 am to run a marathon a day and the event became known as ‘The Marathon of Hope’.

Fox ran 42 kilometers (26 miles) a day through Canada's Atlantic Provinces, Quebec and Ontario. More and more people cheered him along the way and press coverage became more predominate. Fox dreamed of raising one Canadian dollar per person (24 Million back then).

Sadly, on September 1st, after 143 days and 5,373 kilometers (3,339 miles), Terry was forced to stop running outside of Thunder Bay, Ontario because cancer had appeared in his lungs. His mind and soul were no doubt willing but his body could not go further.

Terry Fox passed away on June 28th 1981 aged just 22. A national hero forever etched into the moral fabric of Canadian society. His legacy is the global Terry Fox Run and the millions of dollars raised all in the name of cancer research. Fox may not have completed his journey but he inspired millions to better themselves and to help others less fortunate than themselves.

JASON ‘J-MAC’ McELWAIN – The Autistic Basketball Player and His Game of a Lifetime…
In 2006, 17 year old Jason McElwain, an autistic sufferer, lived the dream. Like most teens, he loved sports. His passion, basketball! Jason was the team manager for his high school team. He helped out with the equipment, water and training but NEVER played a single minute. Jason was thrust into the global spotlight when his New York State based school (Greece Athena High) coach Jim Johnson decided to let him suit up in his final year as reward for all his hard work. In the last game of the season, with four minutes left, Johnson sent Jason onto the floor against Spencerport on Feb. 16, 2006. The rest is history……..

Jason went on to score TWENTY points (including 6 three pointers)! Jason was carried off by the crowd and into the hearts of millions. Jason’s incredible journey did not end with the final buzzer! Jason met Ex President George Bush (who wanted to meet him!), Oprah Winfrey, NFL star Peyton Manning and Jessica Simpson. He appeared in newspapers and magazines in the US. Jason also received thousands of letters from people he inspired and others who suffered from autism. Jason did not let his autism hold him back. Again, the sports field was a great leveler.

The Saints, Terry Fox and J-Mac; REAL people and REAL HEROES! Inspiring others to better themselves and to never give up and never let their circumstances stand in the way of their dreams!

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ESPN Article – The Saints are the Soul of America’s City The Saints take the field for their first home game of 2006 How to Fix a Broken NFL Team - Coldplay Video Terry Fox Foundation Terry Fox Espn Special Jason McElwain, 18, discusses how one night transformed his life forever Video: The Marathon of Hope and Terry Fox Video: Jason McElwain brings the heat! His amazing story and real footage!