On Sept. 26, Southern University wide receiver Devon Gales' life was changed forever following a collision with Georgia kicker Marshall Morgan. Gales was unable to lift himself off the Sanford Stadium turf after the hit.
However, following his paralysis, Gales found that he had a new family and a new home in the University of Georgia community. And, in conjunction with financial support and visits from well wishers, Georgia held a press conference on Thursday following his release from Atlanta's Shepherd Center to wish him well on his way home to Louisiana.
We're happy that @IAmDevonGales was able to stop by on his way back home! #UGAFamily pic.twitter.com/zv2PgdhEYJ
— Georgia Bulldogs (@UGAAthletics) February 25, 2016
Former Georgia star David Pollack emceed the event and offered words of encouragement to Gales and his family. The Athens, Georgia, mayor, Nancy Denson, presented Gales with a certificate of honorary citizenship and the key to the city.
But, the most surprising moment of the farewell press conference was the announcement by the Tragedy over Triumph Foundation that they would be building a brand new home for the Gales family that would be fully wheelchair accessible.
.@IAmDevonGales and his family receiving the news that Triumph Over Tragedy will be building them a new house. pic.twitter.com/7b8py6XqjM
— Georgia Bulldogs (@UGAAthletics) February 25, 2016
As much as the UGA community helped Gales feel at home over the past four months, he missed his actual home -- and his teammates -- and is excited to get back.
.@IAmDevonGales says the first thing he wants to do when he gets home is see his @SouthernUsports teammates. pic.twitter.com/HPD92xU2Hm
— Georgia Bulldogs (@UGAAthletics) February 25, 2016
For as long as he lives, though, Gales will have a home and a family in Athens.
These shirts are now available from #UGA. pic.twitter.com/YBdczvaZIi
— AJC UGA (@ChipTowersAJC) February 25, 2016
