Derek Claros

AAASP Featured Program Story, Uncategorized

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:

http://www.gwinnettprepsports.com/schools/archer/meadowcreek-s-clarous-powers-gwinnett-heat-to-season-opening-handball/article_eab0ab39-94a8-5edb-a500-d959e63f1ce2.html