Derek Claros
About Our Athletes
Rolling with Derek Claros
AAASP:
Please tell us a little about yourself.
Derek:
I was Born in Long Island, NY – June 28, 2000. Both of my parents are originally from El Salvador; we moved to GA in 2006, in seek of better Doctors for me. I have a younger sister and an older brother — and I am very family – oriented — and a Die Hard soccer fan! (Real Madrid CF )
AAASP:
Where do you go to school?
Derek:
I’m currently in 11th Grade, Meadowcreek High School (My favorite class is psychology.)
I am truly blessed by the overwhelming support I get from my peers, teachers and principals @ MHS who attend games regularly. My Principal Dr Welch is GA principal of the year, & constantly supports the Gwinnett Heat.
AAASP:
11th Grade… Are you looking at colleges?
Derek:
Yes I aspire to attend a university where I can major in sports broadcasting and continue playing Wheelchair Basketball so the University of Alabama seems to fit the bill.
AAASP:
How did you find out about AAASP?
Derek:
My Mother is a social worker and regional coordinator for Parents to Parents of GA, so I got involved thanks to her.
AAASP:
How long have you been playing sports?
Derek:
I have been playing for AAASP for the 6 years with the Gwinnett Heat (through Gwinnett County Public Schools.)
I have also done Special Olympic Swimming and amputee soccer both for 2 yrs.
AAASP:
What sports do you play? Which is your favorite?
Derek:
I currently play all 3 sports Handball , Basketball and Football. My Favorite is most definitely Basketball because it’s played internationally and it’s the most enjoyable .
AAASP:
How have things changed since you’ve been playing sports— from your perspective?
Derek:
I think I have matured immensely not only as a player but as a person , also gaining self confidence and optimism , positive popularity and constant praise and achievements,as well as better grades, due
to my participation in athletics.
AAASP:
What about from your parents’ perspective?
Derek:
They really emphasize the drastic change in my self image & overall outlook on life through my attitude and actions especially, incorporating moral & ethical values and principles I obtain on the court and using them at home like Discipline , Determination , patience , commitment , teamwork etc
AAASP:
Who is your Coach?
Derek:
My head Coach is Len Bordeaux my other coaches are Dain Weigle and Lynette Swanson
AAASP:
Why should others participate in AAASP?
Derek:
It is life – changing , just like any other discipline playing sports is a gateway to greater things. “( Media attention , Popularity and positive flatter and overall greater sense of appreciation/ belonging in society . Thanks to sports I have been able to do many things , meet many and live much happier.
AAASP:
What was your favorite sports memory to date?
Derek:
Our 1st basketball game of this past season Vs West Georgia where I scored 18 pts and a last second free throw to end up going to 3 Overtimes and we won the game 28-27 after almost 3 hrs of play
AAASP:
What is one thing you’d like to share with others about playing sports?
Derek:
Just the feeling of representing something bigger than yourself weekly & having the admiration/enthusiasm of others is just priceless playing sports is something you just can’t overlook
AAASP:
Who is your favorite athlete and why?
Derek:
Cristiano Ronaldo because he is such a humanitarian athlete and some one I admire do to his Work ethic , discipline , Perseverance and superb athleticism/ technical ability 1. World’s most charitable athlete 2. World’s Fittest athlete 3.world’s Richest athlete simply the best footballer & athlete on the planet p.s I got a room makeover I have all his posters etc
Check out Derek in this video:
