More Walt Disney World Resort Stories

Young Runner Inspires the Galaxy With His Love of Star Wars at Walt Disney World Resort

Darrell Fry

by , Sports Media Director, Walt Disney World Resort

A light rain fell on the Star Wars Rival Run 5K on Friday at Epcot, but even the weather couldn’t have put a damper on the bright light that was Daniel “DJ’’ Roberts, the 11-year-old Orlando runner who had everyone beaming across the galaxy.

“DJ’’ lost his right leg to cancer a couple of years ago, but his love of all things Star Wars drew him to the Star Wars Rival Run Weekend presented by OtterBox where he summoned the Force and participated in the 5K run through Epcot. In the process, he battled the light rain and overcame his own fears to complete the journey that few thought possible.

When it was all over, he fell into a deep embrace from his mother and the many family members and friends who ran alongside him, including his AdventHealth physical therapist Trevor Hicks. At that moment, no one around him was really thinking about the rain or the excitement surrounding this amazing race, but rather only about a little boy who displayed the type of courage, resilience and strength that we so rarely find – even in a galaxy far, far away.

Check out this profile on “DJ’’ by ABC’s Good Morning America.

If you’re inspired to sign up for a runDisney race weekend, you can get more information at runDisney.com.

Comments

  • What an inspirational story. We need more of these in the world! Congratulations DJ!

  • This kiddo is a superstar!!!

  • “The force is strong in this one” congratulations DJ!

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