Spokane Velocity F.C. partners with Make-A-Wish Washington to grant shopping spree wish for 15-year-old Henry
· Yahoo Sports
It was a special night for 15-year-old Henry at Saturday's Spokane Velocity F.C. match against AC Boise.
Henry was surprised by having his wish of a shopping spree, including some new soccer gear, granted by Spokane Velocity F.C. in partnership with Make-a-Wish Washington.
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Henry was forced to stop playing his favorite sport, soccer, following a lymphoma diagnosis. After receiving treatment, Henry is feeling better and gaining strength day after day.
On Saturday afternoon, Henry was surprised with a room filled with gifts, including a Spokane Velocity F.C. autographed ball, his own personalized jersey, a team backpack, trading cards and boxes filled with new clothes and bedroom essentials.
He then walked down to the pitch and led Velocity F.C. out of the tunnel alongside captain Luis Gil before administering the coin flip.
It was an overwhelming experience that caught Henry completely off guard.
"It meant a lot especially since we are already struggling with money, so it was a really big thing for me. I was very grateful for everything I got. I am very happy and I don't know what else to say, I didn't know we were going to come here. I am genuinely surprised, but very happy," Henry said.
Henry says his favorite gifts were all the new shirts and pants he received.
Henry's presence helped spur Velocity F.C. to a 2-1 victory over AC Boise. The teenager was in awe of being up close and personal with professional soccer players.
"It was very cool. This is the first time I have ever gotten to do this before and getting signed stuff from the team, it was awesome. It was crazy because I have never seen the players in person, I was very excited and nervous. It was a really cool experience," Henry said.
Henry's favorite soccer club is Real Madrid, but he can now add Spokane Velocity F.C. to that list after Saturday.