Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — When you’re a child, you should be allowed to dream, think about the future and who you want to be.
On Wednesday, Scott got a chance to realize his dream for a couple of hours.
“Wow, this is amazing,” said Scott as we walked into the arena.
Scott was invited to practice with the pros at UCW Zero Championship Wrestling in Salt Lake City.
“We’re already off to a great start,” he said as he listened to instructions from one of the pros.
The 15-year-old is being treated like a star and being shown the ropes – literally. On his first time trying, Scott climbed the ringside ropes effortlessly.
Although Wednesday was about having some fun, Scott faces some challenges.
“It’s like they don’t understand,” he said when referring to some of the adults who have been in his life.
One of the hardest parts of Scott’s life is the uncertainty and instability.
“(It’s) just leaving a lot of homes basically,” he said referring to life in foster care.
He’s been in foster care for almost a decade. In that time, he has been placed in 20 different homes.
“Yeah, that sounds about right,” he said.
As much as Scott would like to work in the world of wrestling one day, there’s something else he wants even more.
“(I want) a home,” he said. “(I want) someone who loves me and someone who I love.”
You would think that a child who has spent most of his life in state custody would start to get discouraged — but he hasn’t.
“I have hope,” he said. “I’m not giving up.
Instead, Scott continues to believe.
“Giving up would just be the wrong choice,” he said.
He also continues to dream.
Over the loudspeaker at the wrestling facility, the booming voice of the announcer could be heard saying, “He is the KSL Wednesday’s Child who hails from Murray, Utah…”
Scott entered the ring to music he selected as if he was about to take on another opponent.
“He is ‘Scotty Radar,’” the announcer said.
The other wrestlers clapped and shouted words of encouragement as he showed off some of his newly mastered wrestling skills.
His smile his big and bright enough to light up the dimly lit space.
“I’m just so ready to be adopted,” he said. “I hope they like WWE too.”
To learn more about Scott or the many other children living in foster care, contact The Utah Adoption Exchange at 801-265-0444 or at www.adoptex.org.
