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  Eric "Bubba" Harding has always loved sports, everything from basketball to soccer to baseball! Unfortunately, as a sixth grader at Neal Middle School in Durham Harding realized he would not be able play on the school teams. His disappointment didn't last long, though, as his father came up with more unique way for him to contribute to the school teams.
"He loves sports so much, but he couldn't compete on the school team. So I went out and bought him an eagle outfit, and he became the school mascot for the Neal Eagles," said Bill Harding, Harding's father.
It turned out Harding liked entertaining the fans so much so he has worn a costume every year since. In high school he continued his mascot affinity as the Bulldog for the Durham School of the Arts. Now he gets to don the Chick-Fil-A cow outfit and represent the chain at various venues. During the holiday season, he clowns around for the cars driving through the Celebration of Lights at Walnut Creek, and he has also worked some Duke football games and Carolina basketball games in his costume. Harding rarely breaks character when he's at a game, but he was willing to remove the costume in order to get a picture with Carolina head coach, Roy Williams.
"He's been everything from the Easter bunny to this cow. I think he likes it because he gets to act foolish. He's a pretty outgoing kid," said Bill Harding.
Harding's love of sports has not been limited to entertaining fans in costume. He has been able to perform on the field too thanks to the Special Olympics Durham County program. This season Harding played short stop for the SONC Bulls. The Bulls competed in the 2005 SONC Summer Games on June 4-5 at the Buffaloe Road park and won the bronze medal for their division. This was not Harding's first medal at a state level event. Harding's soccer team, coached by his father, earned a bronze medal at the 2004 SONC Fall Games.
"Special Olympics gives Harding a chance to play a team sport, and that's so much fun to him. He's an overachiever-always winning extra effort awards and such," said Bill Harding.
Harding's love of sports spills over into his family as well. For the past five years Harding has been an equipment manager of sorts for his two younger brothers' Little League teams. Before the games he lines the outfield, rakes the infield, puts the bases in place, and does other jobs to help out. He also helps with a Special Olympics t-ball team, carrying the t-ball stand around and setting up the equipment before the games. Harding is lovingly known as a "pack mule" by his friends and family because of all the hard work he does for the ball teams. Whether he's up in the stands or on the field, Harding cannot help but share his enthusiasm for life with others.
"Harding always makes everyone happy. Everyone just loves him!" said Bill Harding.
Nominate an athlete to be featured in an Athlete Spotlight. Contact Erin C. Miller, at 1-800-843-6276, ext. 110.
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