EG Sophomore Named Paralympic All-American

Justin Ferra, 15, is a natural athlete but his parents could be excused if that seemed a far-fetched idea back after he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a baby.

He was recently named a 2013 U.S. Paralympic High School Track and Field All-American for his performances in the 100 meters, 200 meters, 400 meters and javelin.

According to Justin’s mom, Jana Ferra, Justin has partial paralysis of his left side. He wears a brace on his left leg to keep him balanced and to keep his foot straight.

He got involved in track and field through the U.S. Paralympic program when he was 8. Since then, Justin has traveled to Florida, New Jersey, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, and Minnesota to compete in the National Junior Disability Championships. He also competed Manchester, England, as a member of the U.S. team in 2011.

Last year in Indianapolis, he competed in the Paraolympic Trials to get a feel for that level of competition.

Justin said going fast is fun.

“What I enjoy about running is that it’s so competitive,” he said. “Everyone tries their hardest.”

Carmen Ferra said competing in the Paralympics has been really positive for his son.

“He’s seen successes, he’s seen failures,” said Carmen of Justin. “He keeps striving to meet goals.”

Justin will run Indoor Track at EGHS this winter and Track and Field in the spring. He was a member of the state champion Unified Volleyball team and expects to play on the Unified Basketball team later this year.

“We like to talk about what abilities he does have,” said Carmen.

The hope is for Justin to try to make the 2016 Paralympic team in Rio, said his mom.