Spencer Stratton, a San Antonio resident who now is 16, was born in Russia before the Strattons brought him to America. These days, his passion for sports is so strong that he tries to get himself involved whenever possible.

“When we first got him, he had to learn English. So we didn’t really started him in any sports or anything,” said Spencer’s mother, Ruth Stratton. “We wanted him to get a good handle on English, so he could understand the coach and all his teammates.“

Spencer considered himself an athletic person, and played for his high school football team and also worked as a team manager for the basketball players. Being one of nearly 400 athletes in the 2013 World Dwarf Games, he participated in various events, including his favorites games – basketball, soccer and flag football.

Spencer Stratton was thankful for his mother being supportive to him by traveling with him from Texas to the week-long athletic event in East Lansing.

“I have someone who is watching and like, ‘If you lose, I am still proud of you for trying playing hard,’” Spencer said.

That was not lost on Ruth Stratton.

“I just feel very blessed to have him as my son,” Ruth Stratton said. “The opportunity is endless, if you look around and open your eyes to them.”