Newtown Coach: No Matter What Happens in Life You Can #StandTall

Patch and When the Game Stands Tall are asking about the coaches, teachers or mentors who inspired you.

Laura Nowacki’s mentor taught her to never let circumstances keep you down and to keep trying no matter what!

Mentor Name: Ken Ayles

Known Mentor for: 8 years months

School: Hoopsters (Special Needs Basketball Team)

Town: Newtown

State: CT

What mentor taught about success: He reminded us all its about being in the game...no matter what your ability...autism, Down syndrome, visual impairment, wheelchair....we are all on the same team and we can overcome our disabilities with help from our teammates

What mentor taught about dealing with failure: Ken was diagnosed with a brain tumor 6 years ago after a seizure,but he showed up to every practice even after 2 brain surgeries and chemo. After my son with Down Symdrome had his first seizure on the court, He taught us to adapt to our circumstances. No matter what life throws at you, you can still make baskets! At 6’10, he was the only one tall enough to tap on the back of the backboard with his wedding ring, so our visually impaired player could hear it and hit the shot.....he taught our Hoopsters that there’s no such thing as failure, just to keep trying.and to be proud of what we could do.

Best advice from mentor: He sat our team down in the center of the court knowing this would be his last season (he is on hospice now) and with tears in his eyes, just told the kids how much he loved them. He is a gentle giant and reminded us that LOVE is what really matters. We are all Kenny’s kids and my son wears his Hoopsters shirt every single day. He is so proud to be one of Coach Kenny’s Superstars.