MIAMI, Dec. 21 (UPI) -- Kendrick English, a south Florida high school linebacker paralyzed from the chest down in a football game, has a new van and he couldn't be happier.
"This means everything to me right now," said English, 27. "I've been waiting a long time for this. Thank God for everyone who gave me this opportunity."
English, who was hurt making a tackle in a Fort Lauderdale Stranahan High School game in 1995, was provided a $70,000 van equipped with high-tech gear so that he can drive using his hands from his wheel chair.
The van was provided by Phil Smith Ford, the Ford Motor Co. and a state grant, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported Tuesday. Ocean Conversions and Mobility of Pompano Beach, Fla., outfitted the vehicle so he can get in and out while remaining in his wheel chair.
English has been practicing with the vehicle for months and will get his driver's license next week.
English has graduated from Lynn University since his injury, and works at Stranahan as a computer technician and assistant football coach.
