The Hearts of Camp No Limits

While leaving school at the age of five, David Eustace, now 21 years old, was hit by a car whose driver had lost control. The driver was missing his right leg and his prosthetic got stuck on the gas pedal. David’s right leg was severely broken and after efforts to save it, his left leg was amputated at the knee.  Little did anyone know that David would one day inspire others and become not only a World Champion, but also a Paralympian.

David’s path to becoming a Paralympian was circuitous. Suddenly, seen as a kid with a disability, David was so shy about wearing his prosthetic leg in public that he wore long pants to cover it up – for years. His first-time attending camp with Camp No Limits, a Camp for kids like him, was when he was 6 years old.  When he was 14, while attending Camp again, with insights from other campers, he finally got comfortable enough with his prosthetic leg to wear shorts in public. 

David loves sports and played baseball and basketball in his hometown of Stoneham, Massachusetts, with able-bodied kids.  A local amputee though, suggested he try sled hockey.  At first, he did not like it – but he quickly grew to love it!  No wonder, he is great at it!

Sled hockey, also known as Para Ice Hockey, is a fast and furious game. The skill level to succeed is extraordinary. David is extraordinary, in so many ways, including hockey, inspiring so many others along the way. He even volunteers with Camp No Limits, teaching kids to chase their dreams. 

He was selected in 2019 and again in 2021 to play for TEAM USA’s Paralympic Sled Hockey Team.  An honor earned through commitment, hard work, and remarkable talent. Team USA recently traveled to the World Para Ice Hockey Championships in Ostrava, Czech Republic. On June 26, 2021, David and Team USA became World Champions again, defeating Team Canada, 5-1, to win the Gold Medal.  Guess who scored the fifth goal of the Gold Medal game? David Eustace.

The top five teams of the World Championships qualified for the 2022 Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games. David and his Paralympian Teammates will be competing for a Gold Medal-again!

David, all of us at Camp No Limits are so proud of you. Bring that Gold Medal from Ostrava please, the next time you volunteer at one of our Camps! Every kid will want their picture with you. World Champion and Paralympian. From tragedy to Champion!

“Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.”- Michael Jordan

Post written by Bill Potts