Completing a triathlon is an incredible challenge for even an athlete to complete, but when this 9-year-old boy with cerebral palsy set his sights on finishing one alongside his dad, he did everything he possibly could to make it across the finish line.
At just 8-years-old, Bailey Matthews finished his first triathlon with dad Jono, and inspired everyone when he crossed the finish line unassisted. Now, a year later, Bailey wants to give every kid with a disability the chance to take part in a triathlon and feel that same exhilaration and pride that he got to experience when he crossed the finish line in his own race called the Be More Bailey Triathalon.
“The idea behind the triathlon is to give people a chance to be a part of it, even if they’re not confident they can do it,” Jono said.
Bailey still struggles with small daily tasks, but he refuses to let his condition stop him from doing what he loves. “He goes on with life as any other able-bodied person would,” Jono said. “He is very strong minded and doesn’t like to ask for help. He will find a way to do it himself.”
That mentality is what kept him training three times a week with dad, and what inspired him to create his own race for other children.
The Be More Bailey triathlon, which has no winner, is free for all the competitors and hopes to prove to any disabled child and parent that a disability doesn’t have to stand in your way of accomplishing your dreams.
Watch the inspiring video below to see how this determined little boy is letting other kids with disabilities take part in triathlons.
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[Featured image credit: Cactus Images]
Young Triathlete With Cerebral Palsy Creates His Own Race For Disabled Kids is an article from: LifeDaily