Laureus World Sports Awards, Best Sporting Moment August nominees: Jamarion Styles' inspiring tale

In the 17 years since its inception, the Laureus World Sports Awards has honoured athletes like Andy Murray, Usain Bolt and Kim Clijsters. The illustrious members of Laureus World Sports Academy vote for eight of the award categories that include Laureus World Sportsman of the Year, Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year and Laureus World Comeback of the Year. The Laureus Best Sporting Moment of the Year award is the only Laureus Award to be voted for by fans around the world in a global online poll. Shortlisted by the members, these moments exemplify the true values of sport and brings to the forefront the message that sport has the power to create a change in the world. [caption id=“attachment_3876923” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] File image of Jamarion Styles. Getty Images[/caption] One of the nominees for the ‘Best Sporting Moment of the Year’ is the story of Jamarion Styles, a basketball player who is defying all odds. Although Styles lost both his arms to a rare bacterial infection when he was just eight months old, he never lets it stand in his way, especially on the basketball court. He scored the buzzer-beating basket for his Eagles Landing Middle School in Boca Raton, Florida on 29 March. His teammates say Styles always encourages them because he works hard and doesn’t let his disability affect his passion for sports. Styles is apparently a talented football player too. And, he plays the drums. He hopes to be a professional NFL player when he grows up. “I play different sports,” Jamarion says, “but football is my main one. I just tried basketball, and it turns out, here I am.” Styles certainly had a hopeful message for anyone facing challenges similar to his. He said, “Just stay positive, and you can do whatever you want.” To vote for your favourite video, visit  myLaureus.com.