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"The tradition is that of a winner" by Dave and Mercedes Rizzo (CatholicMom.com) Copyright 2018 Dave and Mercedes Rizzo. All rights reserved.[/caption] "The Tradition Is That Of A Winner" is one of the slogans at Bishop Eustace Preparatory School in southern New Jersey. Recently, these words rang true as we attended Victory Day there. This is the sixth year Bishop Eustace has participated in this event. "The tradition is that of a winner" by Dave and Mercedes Rizzo (CatholicMom.com) Copyright 2018 Dave and Mercedes Rizzo. All rights reserved.[/caption] What exactly is Victory Day? Victory Day was started in 2010 by a teacher in Michigan to give a real game-day experience for participants who have cognitive or physical impairments. These special-needs participants are provided an opportunity to play football, cheer, and play in the band. Our daughter, Danielle, participated as a cheerleader. She has autism and is nonverbal. "The tradition is that of a winner" by Dave and Mercedes Rizzo (CatholicMom.com) Copyright 2018 Dave and Mercedes Rizzo. All rights reserved.[/caption] Even though she could not recite the cheers, she had a great time being on the gridiron sidelines with pom-poms in hand. It was a joy to watch touchdowns scored, passes caught, and cheers shouted out in unison, while rousing pep band music played. The student mentors deserve to be commended for truly emulating the words of of St. Paul, "The charity of Christ urges us on." This saying became the motto of the Pallottine order, founded by St. Vincent Palotti. "The tradition is that of a winner" by Dave and Mercedes Rizzo (CatholicMom.com) Copyright 2018 Dave and Mercedes Rizzo. All rights reserved.[/caption] Our sons Brendan and Colin are Eustace alumni. The school has a strong commitment to Christian service and this was evident in the enthusiasm displayed by students mentoring the participants. A hallmark of Christianity is acknowledging the dignity of the human person. As special-needs parents, it was refreshing to hear a prayer at this event which stressed this inherent dignity. "The tradition is that of a winner" by Dave and Mercedes Rizzo (CatholicMom.com) Copyright 2018 Dave and Mercedes Rizzo. All rights reserved.[/caption] Mary, Queen of Apostles, pray for us. St. Vincent Pallotti, pray for us. Bishop Eustace, forever will to you our hearts belong. Well done, Crusaders! Well done! "The tradition is that of a winner" by Dave and Mercedes Rizzo (CatholicMom.com) Copyright 2018 Dave and Mercedes Rizzo. All rights reserved.[/caption]
Copyright 2018 Dave and Mercedes Rizzo

About the Author

David and Mercedes Rizzo

David and Mercedes Rizzo

David and Mercedes write and speak from a faith perspective as parents of a child with autism. They are available to speak, and have appeared on radio and other media. Visit DavidAndMercedesRizzo.com to learn more. Follow them on Facebook at Autism With The Rizzos. Authors of Praying For Your Special Needs Child, (Word Among Us Press) and Spiritually Able and The Adaptive First Eucharist Preparation Kit (Loyola Press).