A local football coach who has had to overcome some obstacles in life proves you can do anything you put your mind to. Aimee Cho reports he just celebrated his 20th anniversary with the Whitman High School football team.
When the lights come on for Friday night football at Walt Whitman High School, the smile of one coach shines just as bright.
Assistant Head Coach Ramon De Paula is celebrating 20 years with the team. He was born with Down syndrome but says he will never let it stop him from following his dreams.
"Being out there on the football field — anyone else who has disabilities, they also can do the same," he said.
At 36, De Paula has been with the team in Bethesda, Maryland, longer than his players have been alive. He attended the school himself.
"He said, 'Mom, I just signed up for football.' And I said, 'You did what?'" his mother, Haydee De Paula, recalled.
De Paula started as an equipment manager. His mom was worried, but the team promised her they would take care of him. Over the years, he rose through the ranks to become a coach. He leads the team in running through a banner at every home game.
The rush of being the first one out on the field has never gotten old, De Paula said.
Local
Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia local news, events and information
"You see me? I led the charge," he recently told the head coach.
"Good job, Ramon," he replied.
De Paula calls the team his second family. Forming family is an effect he seems to have everywhere he goes. He volunteers for the Glen Echo Fire Department. Every Christmas, he dresses up as Santa.
"We don’t look at him as an individual with a disability. We look at him as someone who is there to help us, and can help us, and does in fact help us," Lt. Victor Graves said.
De Paula also participates in the Special Olympics and works full-time doing clerical work for the government.
Being a coach to his players, though, is his biggest success. The team recently marked his 20th anniversary with hugs and cheers.
"I love them very much. Being 20 years with the football team, it’s the biggest landmark in my life," he said.
The Down Syndrome Network of Montgomery County holds its annual Step Up walk to fund inclusive activities and educational programming that supports the community around those with Down Syndrome. The walk takes place from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 5, and De Paula has encouraged those interested to register online.
