Jim Johnson Delivers Inspirational Speech at ‘Tee Up For Autism’ Event on Monday

To close up the “Tee It Up For Autism” event at the Zanesville County Club on Monday night was a special speech by guest keynote speaker, Jim Johnson.

Johnson was a successful basketball coach for 30 years and has become well known motivational and inspirational speaker across the country.

During his time as a head coach for a boy’s high school basketball team in the Rochester, New York, he became well acquainted with the team’s autistic student-manager, Jason McElwain. Johnson said that it was Jason’s dream to play basketball for the team, so Johnson decided to give him a shot to play during the team’s senior night.

It was during the last 4 minutes of the game that Johnson put Jason into the game and he made not only one shot, but also 5 three-pointers and one 2-point shot to give him a total of 20 points in just 4 minutes.

Johnson said it was at that moment that himself, Jason, the team, and the community was touched in a way of inspiration and hope.

Johnson began his speech on Monday night with his story and experiences with autism and then talked about what he believes is the six key points to making your dreams come true.

“I will talk about understanding your passion, discovering your mission, how to be an effective goal setter, persevering certain obstacles, carpe diem, work ethic and attitude, and how to be a great team player,” Johnson said.

While having great success in being a coach was great, Johnson said that making a difference in Jason’s life is something that out weighs every win he had.

“Certainly the greatest thing that ever happened to me in coaching was Jason’s night and I still get choked up. We will show a video that ESPN did on it, I still get choked up and I’ve probably watched it over a thousand times. It was a very special moment in my heart.”

Johnson supports a local autism group back in his hometown in Rochester, New York and he says his dream is to become an advocate for autism across the country and eventually worldwide.

Johnson also said that he had a great time at the event on Monday and that his time in Zanesville has been wonderful. He said he was extremely thankful for the kindness and hospitality provided to him while being in the area.