The McFarland Project - Inspiration and Kids Jan. 19, 2023 in Rocky Ford
Description: Thomas Valles was portrayed in McFarland USA by actor Carlos Prattes. As a boy, Thomas Valles could never have imagined that his running ability would shape the course of his life or someday, at some point, inspire a Hollywood movie, but that is exactly what happened...
The McFarland Project - Inspiration and Kids Jan. 19, 2023 in Rocky Ford
COMMUNITY YOUTH AND FAMILY OUTREACH OVERVIEW
Introducing "Inspiration and Kids - The McFarland Project"
Rocky Ford, Colorado, get ready to get inspired! As part of a Southeastern Colorado speaking tour, on January 19th at 10AM Thomas Valles will be bringing his community presentation to Saint Peter's Catholic Church, 1209 Swink Avenue in Rocky Ford, Colorado. For questions or more details, please call 719-468-1016 or email us at triplegges333@gmail.com Don't miss this inspiring presentation!
"McFarland USA" is a Walt Disney film and American sports drama that was released in 2015 and is based on the true story of a team of novice runners from a predominantly Latino (Mexican American) high school in the rural Central Valley of California who were guided to greatness under the leadership of an "outsider" to their community, coach Jim White. The film stars Kevin Costner as Coach Jim White and includes a youth cast portrayal of an award-winning cross-country team including Thomas Valles.
Thomas Valles was portrayed in McFarland USA by actor Carlos Prattes. As a boy, Thomas Valles could never have imagined that his running ability would shape the course of his life or someday, at some point, inspire a Hollywood movie, but that is exactly what happened. "Hollywood came calling one day and, you know, was interested in talking about our lives on the big screen," Valles said.
"We grew up working in the fields, in agriculture. Coach White recruited me in junior high to run because I was in his P.E. class, but he knew I was going through some tough times in school because I'm dyslexic, grew up in a home with domestic violence, and my dad was an alcoholic. So, he helped me and took me under his wing. The Whites and this team became my second family," says Valles.
"We persevered, especially me, through the sport. It opened the doors for me to go to college. I had a career with the California Department of Corrections after serving in the coast guard for four years," Valles said. "I realized that had somebody not intervened in my life at a young age, I would have been one of those statistics and I would have been wearing the orange jumpsuit instead of wearing the uniform and the badge." Valles is now a coach at McFarland High School and a motivational speaker.
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