When Natalie Gilbert, 13, started singing the National Anthem at a basketball game between the Trail Blazers and the Dallas Mavericks she got nervous and the words wouldn’t come to her. That day the crowd wasn’t going to let her be embarrassed.

First, the Blazer’s coach came to her aid. He started singing with her, and then suddenly the whole audience joined in to help. Everyone sang loud and proud and at the end, Gilbert and the coach got a standing ovation. It was a day that no one at the game was likely to forget.

It turns out that Gilbert was just getting over the flu, and was feeling sick that day but wanted to sing anyway. The coach said he saw her fumble with the words and noticed she didn’t look very good, and just wanted to help her so she wouldn’t have a bad day.

“She looked so sad and helpless,” he said. “I just wanted to do something and just decided to sing along. I am glad I could help her.” The coach added that it was a special moment for him and he was glad he was there in the little girl’s hour of need.

The day could have been lost, but thanks to a considerate and friendly coach, and an audience who didn’t want a 13 year old girl to be embarrassed, the day turned out instead to be a refreshing and good day for everyone in attendance at the basketball game.

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