Projects > As One > Synopsis

At twenty-six Tim Sharpe was one of the most exciting ice hockey players in the league and when he scored the winning goal for the Chicago Rams in the final, celebrations went on long into the night. Too much drink and wild behaviour caused him to have an argument with his girlfriend, Carrie. Unable to control his temper or his powerful motorbike, he was involved in a terrible crash.

Five days later, Sharpe regained consciousness to discover he had lost his left leg. Since the cause of his accident was drink driving, he would receive no compensation nor any hope of ever playing ice hockey again. Despite having the finest treatment and artificial limb, Sharpe rejected everything and everybody. When all therapy failed, he even attempted suicide.

Carrie stood by him through all the traumas of his rehabilitation. When advised that he needed a complete change of environment, she arranged for him to stay at a working ranch, next to the Rocky Mountains. It was no holiday for the tough young man, who had grown up in Chicago's slums. Sharing a log cabin with eight cowhands caused some conflict that was soon diffused when the men began to compare scars.

Whilst everyone went off to round up the cattle, Sharpe was left to clean the stables under the guidance of Running Bear. The old Native American Indian practically ran the ranch and took no nonsense from anyone, especially the city boy who thought the world owed him a favour.

The old Native American Indian practically ran the ranch and took no nonsense from anyone, especially the city boy who thought the world owed him a favour. Gradually a friendship developed between the two men and every day Running Bear would teach him to ride on an old polo pony. Although fearless on the ice Sharpe was terrified but as the horse responded exactly to his commands, he slowly built up his confidence and strength.

After the cattle had gone to auction, Running Bear took Sharpe into the mountains, where he taught him how to fish, hunt and live off the land. At night, as they sat by the campfire he told wonderful stories of his tribal history and customs.

When they returned, the angry young man's transformation was complete, having learned to be spiritually, emotionally and mentally 'as one'.

Filled with a new zest for life, Sharpe rode over to where some cowhands were playing polo. He was surprised at the speed, agility and skill of the game, with play being as tough as ice hockey. During a break between chukkas, Sharpe picked up a polo mallet and with amazing eye to hand co-ordination, hit a ball straight between the posts from sixty metres.

Realising he could still use his ice hockey skills, with the horse as substitute for his legs, Sharpe became hooked on the sport that would transform his life...