Ike Ditzenberger's speech

Ike Ditzenberger was nominated as Athlete of the Year by Seattle Children's Hospital and he will be honored at the Seattle Sports Commission's 76th Annual Sports Star of the Year celebration on Jan. 26, 2011 at Benaroya Hall in Seattle. In preparation for the event, Ike has been practicing a speech. Here is what he plans to say:

Hi, my name is Ike Ditzenberger.

I have Down syndrome and Type 1 diabetes.

I am a junior at Snohomish High School. I am on the varsity football team. I love football and I love my team, The Panthers. I got a 51-yard touchdown.

(A video clip of Ike's touchdown will be shown)

I do not just sit on the sideline.

I am part of a great team.

My coach, Mark Perry helps me. He teaches me a lot. My team helps me and I help them.

Please give others like me a chance. Give them a place in your classroom, on your team and in your community. Help their dreams come true like my coach, team and school helped my dreams come true.

Thank you for my award.

GO PANTHERS!