The city of DeSoto honored and celebrated local hero and community leader Corey Borner on Saturday, Sept. 9, at Les Zeiger Park.
A crowd of over a hundred people gathered at the park to enjoy delicious cuisines from Catering essentials and musical entertainment from K-104.
The DeSoto Police Department was also on hand to show love and support to Borner, as many in the community enjoyed the festivities.
Temperatures may have climbed into the hundreds, but the atmosphere and food were even hotter as the DeSoto community came out to celebrate Borner.
“This is just an incredible day to honor somebody who inspires us all. Cory has been such an inspiration to not only the DeSoto community, but Corey’s reach and inspiration goes worldwide,” said DeSoto Mayor Rachel Proctor.
“And so I was honored to be able to bestow this honor on Cory by giving him his very own special day to be celebrated for just how he continues to push forward and inspire us to all have faith no matter what obstacles you have that you can overcome, and so we’re happy to do it, and we’re proud that Corey is one of our own.”
Borner was paralyzed in a freak accident in 2009 during spring practice at DeSoto High School.
He vowed to walk again and did so when he took his first steps since his injury in 2009 at the Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation in June 2021.
Borner hasn’t let his injury stop him. He went on to graduate from the University of North Texas and has become a motivational speaker.
His parents have been there every step of the way and continue to support their son on his journey and recovery.
“Today has been a special day for everybody and especially for Corey,” said Michael Borner, Corey’s dad.
“This is his day, every year, and now we’re looking forward to having a good day. The rain held up, and it’s just a beautiful day today.”
Corey Borner’s remarkable journey serves as a powerful reminder of the human spirit’s capacity to triumph over adversity, and his legacy continues to inspire the DeSoto community and beyond.
“I give thanks to God, and I also want to give thanks to Mayor Rachel Proctor for blessing me with the day. It’s an honor to have your own day. I would never have imagined myself having a Corey Borner day, so I’m thankful and blessed for this opportunity,” said Corey.
“You got to love your parents, man, and give them the glory and praise because they’re going to be with you when nobody else will. That’s a blessing.”
Joshua Carter