Teacher helps student with cerebral palsy cross Bridge Run finish line

[UrbScotty]

After 16-year-old Tony Bonofiglo crossed the Bridge Run’s finish line on Sunday, the Forest Hills Northern High School junior yelled out in excitement and high-fived his “angel” -- a high school English teacher who pushed him through the 10K course in a jogging stroller.

Tony, who was born with cerebral palsy, has participated in about 25 races since he was 8 years old. Volunteers with myTeam Triumph – known as angels – have helped Tony complete the Reeds Lake Triathlon, Grand Rapids Marathon and the Bridge Run numerous times.

MyTeam Triumph is a ride-along program that gives people with disabilities the ability to experience athletic events, such as triathlons or road races, who might not otherwise be able to do so.

“I get so much joy on race day and said why not have them have that same experience,” said co-founder Terence Reuben, a physical therapist. “So we figured out how to make it happen and make the race all about them.”

http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2014/09/forest_hills_northern_teacher_1.html