With the clock winding down and the game on the line, Coach Mike Trainor played a major role in the most important play for New Bedford during the 2024 Flag Football State Tournament—despite ending in a torn hamstring.

The road to the state tournament had been tough for Coach Mike and his New Bedford Special Olympics team. After a rocky season with just one win, the athletes never gave up. Coach Mike kept his focus, guiding them through tough times, all with the hope of earning a chance to play at Gillette Stadium.

The excitement surged when they learned they had earned a spot at Gillette, after watching the highly anticipated Selection Show on Facebook. With that, the real preparation began.  

“Everybody was really excited,” Coach Mike said. “Especially since the previous year, we won gold there.” The energy was contagious, and the players were eager to prove themselves under the iconic lights.

The first game at Gillette was tough, with both New Bedford and its opponent, the Seven Hills Sharks, playing strong defense. "We got close a couple of times but had some interceptions," Coach Mike explained. "We were at our own five-yard line with just two seconds left—it was either score, or we go to overtime."

It all came down to one last play. Quarterback Sean Richard launched a perfect Hail Mary pass to Coach Mike; but as he ran, disaster struck.

“Halfway through, my hamstring went,” Coach Mike recalled. “But I thought, ‘I might as well keep running.’”

Despite the pain, Coach Mike kept going. “It was a perfect pass by Sean,” he said. “If it had been a yard off either way, I probably wouldn’t have caught it. But it was right on target.”

He limped into the end zone, scoring the game-winning touchdown. "In that moment, everyone was celebrating," Coach Mike said. “It was something I’ll never forget." The stands erupted, and the whole team rushed in to celebrate.

In the excitement, the players piled on top of Coach Mike, unaware of his injury. "I was hurting, but at the same time, I was so excited,” he said. Once they realized, they quickly got down on one knee to show respect. "They know it’s about making sure everyone’s healthy first," he added.

The scene was made even more emotional by the team’s loyal fans in the stands, who braved the cold to cheer them on.

Despite the victory, Coach Mike was quick to praise the Seven Hills Sharks. “Their athletes and coaches were all smiles,” he said. “Even though it’s tough being on the other end of a play like that, the coach was great, and their teammates took it well. That made the whole experience even better.”

Coach Mike’s decision to keep playing through the pain showed his leadership. “It takes a village,” he reflected. “I’ve been with this program for six years. These athletes aren’t just athletes—they’re friends. I care about them, and they work hard, so I want to do my part for them.”

With a hard-earned gold medal at the end of the day, Coach Mike and the New Bedford team left Gillette with more than just a victory—they walked away with a reminder that with heart, perseverance, and teamwork, anything is possible.

Watch the game-winning touchdown in the video below: