KID CAN DO IT ALL ON ONE LEG Baseball, football, soccer

Astros coach Dan Wyse said he went out of his way to get Adam on his team "because he's a good kid, a good catcher, and what he brings attitude-wise, he's an inspiration to everybody."

Michelle Bender appreciates the effect her son has on people young and old.

"Adam has helped other kids see that a person with a disability can be fun to hang out with, and play with, and they can still be a part of a community or part of a team. It's developed the kids' compassion.

"And if he can inspire even one family to allow their kid to try something they normally might not try, that's great."

Adam tried using a prosthesis but didn't like it because he felt it slowed him down. He is adamant about not using a wheelchair.

"He wants to play ball like everybody else," Michelle said.

Somawansa, an unlikely hero

The LTTE has reason to fear JP for the same reasons that they feared Algama – that he will effect a change in the UNP's attitude towards the war and the LTTE. Given what is possible, the government had better do something to bolster JP's security. Perera is now a soft target for the LTTE. Given the fact that the LTTE have been reduced to placing bus bombs just to spite the Sinhalese, they would be overjoyed at being able to hit a major target like JP. A hit like that could demoralize society and even affect morale within the armed forces. It is the government's duty to ensure that whoever has done battle with the LTTE and come out on top, should not be allowed to fall prey to the LTTE's suicide cadres if it can help. There would be some in the government who would argue that they can't help it if JP has decided to put his life on line by getting into politics and that he will be entitled to the security normally given to any provincial council candidate.



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