Boiling Springs N.C. – Gardner-Webb University has celebrated Disability Awareness Week for several years by bringing in many well-known disabled speakers to share their stories. This year, Gardner-Webb will offer a twist to its annual program. “My life changed in the fall of 1967,” says Football Coach Harold Jones. Jones does not have a disability, but in 1967 he befriended James “Radio” Kennedy, a man of disability. Jones’ story of loyalty has reached millions around the world and the love and kindness he displayed to “Radio” touched the hearts of many.

“We have had speakers in the past for Disability Awareness Week with hearing, vision and mobility disabilities and they have all been excellent.  However, the story of Coach Jones embracing Radio approaches the issue of disability from a different angle,” adds Tracy Jessup, minister to Gardner-Webb University.

Jones will be speaking at the Dimensions Service on Tuesday, February 20, at 9:25 AM in the Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center on the Gardner-Webb University campus. During his visit, Jones hopes to inspire others to become leaders in their community, urging understanding and tolerance. He plans to recount his empowering life story of hope and unity.

Jones was the football coach for TL Hanna High School in Anderson, SC for forty-two years.  His story of friendship and leadership inspired a Sports Illustrated feature article and the critically acclaimed film, "Radio." Starring Ed Harris and Cuba Gooding Jr., the film shares the account of James “Radio” Kennedy and Coach Harold Jones and the struggles they faced while developing a long-lasting relationship. This was a friendship that not only united a football team but an entire community. Jones says that “Radio” taught him many lessons about patience, perseverance and opportunity. Jones’ passion for changing lives continues today in other tangible ways. When Jones is not attending speaking engagements, he is working for the benefit of others. “I am also on the board of the Outdoor Dream Foundation, which is a non-profit organization that sends terminally ill children on hunting, fishing and other outdoor trips all over the world,” notes Jones.

“I retired in 1999, but my relationship with Radio is as strong today as it has ever been. One common bond we both share is a desire to help others through service,” Jones adds. Still residents of Anderson, SC, Jones and his wife Linda are proud parents to three children. As an added bonus, Jones plans to bring along “Radio” for the Gardner-Webb visit as well. “We want to bring to the students the awareness of people with a special need and how God led us to do this,” Jones says. Jones is excited to retell this well-known story and share the importance behind his actions of unifying a community.

Gardner-Webb University’s Dimensions programs are free and open to the public. The goal of Dimensions is to enhance the spiritual, intellectual and cultural life of the University and also to promote a sense of community. Dimensions programs are held on Tuesdays at 9:25 AM in the Lutz- Yelton Convocation Center (LYCC). More information is available by calling 704-406-4277.