Sweat dripping down his forehead, oversized basketball shorts and damp t-shirt, Junior Ruben Darmouni is the epitome of a sports-loving teenage boy.

What began as a class to take in order to get out of doing “actual work” turned into a game changing outlet for Darmouni.

Darmouni started playing soccer when he was in the 1st grade and since then, his love for sports has only grown.

“As a soccer player, I find it very important to put in the most work athletically that I can during the day- being in gym class helps me feel like I’m getting ahead and training extra,” he said.

“I take full advantage of having a 90-minute class dedicated to playing sports and working out. I wish my other classmates would also see the potential this class has,” he added.

Darmouni was in a life-threatening accident early last year, so being able to dribble the ball on the court with his best friends is s a luxury.

Unfortunately the feeling of grateful for being able to take PE at school was not the only thing hitting Darmouni. Earlier last year while walking his bike on the side walk, a bus not paying attention hit Darmouni, almost ending his life.

“Remembering the exact moments of getting hit is difficult, but one thing I will always remember is the fear that I felt while on the ground,” he recalled

Fortunately, Darmouni was blessed with a speedy recovery and is now able to put his focus back on what he loves the most, sports!