Brandon Sinclair

OPS P H O T O G R A P H Y FALL2018MAGAZINE VOL.1 / ISSUE:1

DELCO, PA SPORTS EDITION

BRANDONSINCLAIR

AUTHOR: JOHN M. HOULDIN EDITED BY: KATHLEEN E. CAREY

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(C) copyright 2018 by John Houldin therefore, any attempt to copy, alter or distribute content without the written permission from the owner will result in legal action under the U.S. Federal, State and Local laws.

BRANDONSINCLAIR #9 " I WEAR THE UNIFORM -THE UNIFORM DOESN'T WEAR M E" Born in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania at only 3.5 pounds which labeled him premature and could have lead to serious medical complications, Brandon pulled through. This was his first fight of many victories to come.

His mother Michelle referred to her son as the "Wiggly Worm" as Brandon would be constantly engaged with his surrounding since birth. As a twin, Brandon's ambition lead him to an opposite lifestyle which lead to athletics.

Since birth, Brandon's first reach was for a nearby basketball, football or mostly, any type of sports object. At night, Brandon would tuck it under the blanket as he fell asleep. It was no different than centuries ago when a young claimed warrior at the age of 5 would sleep with his battle-ax before maturity to prepare him for the battle.

Brandon was no different as his passion and love for the fight, the game, the brotherhood was etched upon his soul which later allowed him to overcome countless life's obstacles though mostly, perseverance.

Brandon's achievements started early in his childhood years with the start of dribbling a basketball at a talent show at the Primos-Secane Swim Club. From there, he marched forward into countless battles. From ages 5-10, he learned the art of Kenpo Karate and was known within the community to be a ferocious competitor. He earned the title Wachovia Karate Winner at the age of 8. His first real victory on the battlefield, Brandon absorbed the victory's moment of glory accompanied by a cape of humbleness of a Warrior. His quest was to achieve the elements of a warrior at a young age: self-sacrifice, dedication and commitment along with the control of emotional conflicts that every warrior must balance.

When he turned 11, he switched his focus to Taekwondo, another form of martial arts which appealed to this already young warrior to grow additional knowledge for future battles. Within his first year, he earned the First Place trophy at the Jacksonville, N.C. karate tournament.

" FORWARD M OM ENTUM " In middle school, Brandon found his battlefield - football - which fit his rhythm and tempo of triumph.

His warrior legacy did not come easily as he learned that every battle, victorious, or not leaves battle scars upon each warrior. A curse from the Gods as a reminder of sacrifices of brave men, victorious or defeated, a scar that bonds each warrior friend or foe. Brandon started as a guard and later became a wide-receiver.

In high school, he mastered his weapon as kicker for Upper Darby "Royals," leading each battle with a volley of the ball that would consume yards on the field for the foe to encounter. Yards, a stronghold for his fellow warriors to set up defense and time for strategic moves.

Brandon may be a Warrior although his gentleness matches most Warriors, soft spoken words of confidence and politeness with each sentence ending with positive words for all to hear. A subtle posture with lots of heartfelt gestures to give to anyone he encounters. His drive and passion to succeed does not get in the way for family time. Every Sunday, Brandon's family gathers around the dinner table - a once common theme of each American family now rarely engaged. The night is full of constant stories from lineages of generations, as well as movies and plenty to eat. The moment is not always filled with words, loving gestures or compliments, just being present among family is what energizes his soul and allows for him to continue to move forward in life's battles. A young Warrior, but still a warrior, Brandon has much to learn from future battles and experiences through time which will guide him to many good and bad paths along his life's journey.

THE BATTLEFIELD

Brandon born with a warrior 's soul, defined since the age of 8 when he would protect his neighborhood friends from bullies on the block or even at school. Brandon understands as he struggled for years with being underweight, causing him to have to face an enormous obstacle and hurdle. His underweight raised much doubt and uncertainty among the football community for many reasons, some good, and some bad.

However, in any case, it was a stigma which Brandon had to find a way to overcome. Years later, he not only found the means to rise above and beyond those who doubted him but proved his potential as an athlete through knowledge, skills and the right attitude that made him the player he is today. A warrior is more than the star athlete, more than the cool kid on a team or the best player. A Warrior is one who is well-grounded, team-oriented with self-values one lives by and shares with others and Brand is that

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Photo by: Michelle Sinclair

BRANDON'S M OTTO " FAM ILY FIRST" Brandon is all too familiar with self values as he grew up with a special needs family member. His frequent interactions with his special needs family member instilled pride in him to help others. His devotion to support and serve as a role model for his local Special Olympics is one of many he so proudly enjoys. Another uniqueness about Brandon is his passion to help family, friends or strangers no matter the distance in unfortunate situations. Walking along the streets with his friends at the Shore, Brandon noticed an elderly gentleman and his wife having trouble entering their vehicle. Brand strayed from his friends to assist the couple . His friends berated him with unkind words and urged him to return to the group.

However, Brandon continued to assist the couple safely into their vehicle. Maybe a small gesture of civility, yet Warriors do not choose which level of civility they choose to act upon only to swiftly react with dignity.

The Sinclairs never wavered from the importance of family as their family motto is "FAMILY FIRST." And, that resonates throughout extended family members, friends and to their community. No matter the day's events, Brandon looks forward to the evening to gather with family members for at least an hour to engage in quality time, no matter if they are submerged in activities, lounging around or a quiet evening. The importance of the "Sinclair hour " is that they all are together.

Photo by: Michelle Sinclair

Photo by: Michelle Sinclair

Photo by: Michelle Sinclair

Photo by: Michelle Sinclair

Photo by: Michelle Sinclair

A KNIGHT'S BOND Brandon and his dog Casey had a special connection just like a knight and his horse, a spiritual connection that bonded the two forever. Casey was Brandon's first dog as a child and never left Brandon's side. Everywhere Brandon went Casey followed - and with lots of energy. There was not a day that passed that Casey would anxiously wait for Brandon to return home. When Brandon was nearby, Casey picked up his scent and would greet Brandon with his tail in constant motion similar to a knight's horse when both are reunited from the battlefield. Casey was the house pet for all to enjoy.

However, Casey's best friend was Brandon as both of them would roam the kingdom with the pride of family and especially, their kinder spirits of friendship. Casey would not miss a night as he hopped up onto the bed curled into a ball at Brandon's feet with his head facing the bedroom door as to keep watch, similar to when a Knight would sleep, his horse faced the treeline watching for the enemy.

There was no doubt Brandon and Casey had bonded and overtime, their bond only grew stronger with every playtime, every night's sleep and with every waking moment - with Brandon's smiles and Casey's wagging tail and annoying licks. The bond which entails the trust between two animals no matter the difference in shape, size, abilities or breed of human or domesticated it is the love, affection and support between any bond. Elements created centuries back by King Louis "The Great".

Life has its limits as Brandon experienced in his early childhood when Casey became chronically ill and Casey's days became shorter and shorter as he started to fade away. With less wags of his tail and fewer licks, he fought every second and with whatever energy he had left inside of him, continued to display his bond among the Kingdom and more so, to his Knight, Brandon. In a few months, Brandon will graduate high school and continue his passion of football for his chosen college.

THA NK YOU

#9

"Never quite and push yourself with everything you do in life. Do not cheat yourself and always give 110 percent, because you can do anything you put your mind to. Ask yourself, how bad you want this? There are no excuses and if you want it bad enough, you will succeed. Never forget where you started and came from as you reach your dreams. There is always a base you begin from, and for me it is my family"

BRA NDON SI NCLA I R