THIS STORY COURTESY THE KINGSPORT TIMES-NEWS
By NICK SHEPHERD
nshepherd@timesnews.net
Blake Leeper will be moving from the track to the hardwood when he plays in the Celebrity All-Star Game during the NBA’s All-Star Weekend, according to Sports Illustrated and other media outlets.
Leeper, a Dobyns-Bennett High School alum, won the silver medal in the 400-meter dash during the 2012 Paralympic Games in London, setting the U.S. record. He also won the bronze medal in the 200 meters.
Leeper is no stranger to basketball, playing both basketball and baseball during his time at Dobyns-Bennett. He was a part of the team that won D-B’s 2,000th game and later the District 1-AAA championship.
Leeper was born with both legs missing below the knees because of a birth defect. He has worn prostheses since he was 16 months old.
Leeper will be joining Mo’ne Davis, the Little League World Series phenom, comedian Kevin Hart, Nick Cannon, rapper Common, Michael Rapport, Grizzlies owner Robert Pera, Ansel Elgort, Anthony Anderson, Knick assistant GM Allan Houston, Kristen Ledlow and WNBA stars Tina Charles, Skylar Diggins and Schoni Schimmel.
He will be coached by either Carmelo Anthony and Spike Lee or by ESPN radio hosts Mike Golic and Mike Greenberg. The game will be played on Friday, Feb. 13, at 7 p.m., in Madison Square Garden.
