A team of high school footballer players from California has been widely praised after they helped a wheelchair user reach the summit of a steep rocky hiking trail at Fremont’s Mission Peak.
In heartwarming video footage of the incident, James Logan High School coach Cedric Lousi and his players can be seen assisting Felipe Kali Gonzalez over what would have been impassable terrain, helping him realize his ambition to reach the top.
In a caption accompanying the tweeted clip, Lousi explained how he and his players had actually been descending from their own successful climb before they decided to lend a hand. As Lousi put it:
“Me and another coach took some players up mission peak yesterday. On our way down from the top, we met this guy named Filipe and his family. He was so close to the top but because of how steep and rocky it was, he couldn’t go any further.
“He had made it that far and asked if...We were willing to help him make it all the way. A few people told us of another way that would take us all the way up, so we walked down a bit then started the journey back up to the top. It wasn’t easy but to have Filipe say he made it to the top of mission peak was worth it!”
Watch As Decade-Long Losing Streak Ends For North Texas High School Football Team:Several of the team’s stars also reflected on the experience, with one writing:
“He originally thought he couldn’t . He told us that he made it all this way, so why not get to the top and asked if we were willing to help. We agreed, and helped someone for their first time and in a wheel chair get to the top of mission peak.
“It was an honor helping someone, and I learned and found out more about my self and the impact I can have not only in on individual but an entire community. Blessed !”
The team’s actions have since been roundly celebrated, with one Twitterer going so far as to write:
“This is awesome!! What an experience for all and thank you for some sunshine in a nasty social media world these days! Great coaching, leadership and humanity!”
Others have highlighted how the clip goes to show the power and value of working together.
