GERRY BERTIER: BIOGRAPHY - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2025

Gerry Bertier (1953-1981) was an American football player in a high school in Virginia, USA, well known for his participation in state championships, being one of the best players in the collegiate league. After a car accident he participated in the Paralympic Games, where he obtained multiple medals in various disciplines.

From then on she actively participated in activities to defend the rights of people with disabilities. His inspiring career earned him several accolades and even the filming of a movie inspired by his life.

Gerry Bertier (lawbuzz.com)

Biography

Gerry Bertier was born on August 20, 1953. He was raised by his mother and grew up to be a kind, goal-oriented young man. He often said that his goal in life was to win an Olympic gold medal.

Bertier was an active participant in various sports, specifically football and track and field. He was named the team's MVP as well as National High School Soccer Player of the Year. He received the All-Region, All-State and All-American first team honors.

An injury forced him to retire very early from his passion: American football, but he never stopped being a fan of this sport.

After the conclusion of the 1971 season, Bertier was involved in a car accident that seriously injured him. He himself left him motionless from the waist down.

Despite the injury, he remained an active athlete. He participated in the Paralympic Games on different occasions and won multiple medals in various disciplines.

The accident that changed his life

On December 11, 1971, after attending a banquet honoring the players for their successful season, Bertier lost control of his car. As a result of a mechanical failure, he crashed into another vehicle.

After stabilizing him, doctors determined that his lungs had been punctured by his sternum, which entered his spine and fractured his vertebrae.

Although it took him time to adjust to the paralysis, he never gave up and managed to get through the event. His family was always there to help him, but he wanted their support, not their pity or pity.

He made them understand that regardless of what happened to him, he wanted to remain part of the sports world. I wanted to show that the abilities of people with some kind of disability were many and went beyond what most people believed.

Gerry spent the next 10 years after his accident dedicated to making life easier for people with disabilities.

Promotion of the rights of people with disabilities

Gerry Bertier wanted to show his abilities over and above his disabilities. For this reason, she coordinated a Walk for Humanity and gave speeches throughout the United States, promoting respect for the rights of people with disabilities.

At his suggestion, the Main Chamber of Commerce in Alexandria, Virginia, started a project called Barrier Ban. The aim was to convince the owners of different stores to remove the architectural obstacles that blocked the path of wheelchairs.

Recognitions

Due to his great ability to motivate, Gerry was recognized with an award by the President of the United States.

Competing in the Paralympic Games, Gerry won a gold medal in both discus throw and shot put. At this point in her life, Bertier had achieved great fame in the United States, especially in her native Virginia.

On March 20, 1981, Bertier died in a car accident while returning home from a business trip: he was driving alone and collided with a car. He died nearly two hours later at the University of Virginia hospital.

The man he collided with was charged with manslaughter and driving under the influence of alcohol.

Titans who made history

Remember the Titans is an American biographical and dramatic film; It is an ode to American sports culture. It was released in 2000, was produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and directed by Boaz Yakin.

The screenplay, written by Gregory Allen Howard, was based on the true story of African-American coach Herman Boone and his attempt to lead the Williams High School football team in Alexandria, Virginia. He was played by Denzel Washington.

Will Patton portrays Bill Yoast, Boone's assistant coach. Real-life athletes Gerry Bertier and Julius Campbell are played by Ryan Hurst and Wood Harris, respectively.

The film was co-produced by Walt Disney Pictures and Jerry Bruckheimer Films, and was released by Buena Vista Pictures since September 29, 2000.

The film's soundtrack was produced by Walt Disney Records. It featured songs by various artists including Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Hollies, Marvin Gaye, James Taylor, The Temptations, and Cat Stevens.

Remember the Titans had a budget of $ 30 million and was released in theaters across the United States, where it was well received. The film grossed approximately $ 115 million in the United States and $ 136 million worldwide.

Legacy

Gerry Bertier became a benchmark for the rights of people with disabilities. Through his struggle, he inspired and helped thousands of people.

Today, the situation of people with disabilities in the United States has improved considerably. A large part of these people are part of the labor force and of the national daily life.

Likewise, Bertier helped promote the Paralympic Games, increasing its popularity among the American population. It showed that people with disabilities could actively participate in sports.

Gerry Bertier is an admired character in schools and universities in Virginia, where there are various sports competitions named in his honor. Currently there are several foundations created in his name, especially in the states of Virginia, Alabama and Ohio.

All these foundations promote the inclusion and support of people with some type of disability, be it congenital or acquired. Likewise, they provide legal and labor support and, in some cases, financial contributions.

Many American veterans have benefited from these types of programs and foundations, as many return home with some type of disability, either mental or physical. Therefore, it is often very difficult for them to find any kind of support, beyond that provided by their friends or family.

References

1. Awesome Stories (2018). Gerry Bertier - Paralyzing Car Accident. Awesome Stories. Recovered at: awesomestories.com
2. Awesome Stories (2018). Remember the Titans - Gerry Bertier. Awesome Stories. Recovered at: awesomestories.com
3. Find a Grave (2002). Gerry William Bertier. Find a Grave. Recovered at: findagrave.com
4. Foundation Continues Work of Gerry Bertier. Virginia Commonwealth University Virginia Commonwealth University. Recovered at: medschool.vcu.edu
5. Amy S. Tate (2014). Remember the Titans, Historical Fact or Fiction? Recovered at: odu.edu