Unsung Hero: Cole Snider, Branford

BRANFORD, CT — Today we inaugurate a new periodic series on Branford Patch, highlighting young student-athletes who are considered "unsung heroes." They are not necessarily the big star, but rather one who works hard, is a good student, is a positive influence and strives for the betterment of his or her school and/or community.

Name: Cole Snider
School: Walsh Intermediate School, grade 7
Sports: football, baseball, wrestling, jiu-jitsu
Nominated by: Michelle Snider

"Cole was born via forceps delivery and as a result, is blind in the left eye. He traveled with his parents around the U.S. as a newborn looking to find answers and hope. He was told by numerous doctors to never be put in sports, because he would not excel and would only hurt his self-esteem. Cole is an honor student and participates in football and baseball, traveling throughout the region. He also competes in wrestling and jiu-jitsu. Having a disability has never held Cole back from his dreams, and his hope is when he’s older, he can be an advocate and spread the words, “It’s hard to beat a person who never gives up”!"

To nominate a deserving student-athlete, email a brief description of their sports and community endeavors and a non-copyrighted photo (horizontal preferred) to tim.jensen@patch.com.