Boys let classmate with Down syndrome win race at last sports day together
A group of 11-year-old British boys have banded together to help their classmate, who has Down syndrome, to win a race on their final school sports day.
The boys linked their arms to run across the finish line as joint-second, while they let classmate, 11-year-old Rory Kettles, run ahead to win gold. The boys quickly join him for a big group hug.
The boys attend Wrawby St Mary’s C of E Primary School in Lincolnshire, UK, and will attend different secondary schools in September.
One of the boys' parents, Michelle Drury, said the schoolboys came up with the idea themselves.
"I'm unbelievably proud of what Rio and the boys did," she said.
"Being their last sports day they decided they wanted their friend Rory to remember his last running race by coming first.
"They all slowed down, put their arms round each other and ran together to make sure they came joint second."
Mrs Drury said all the parents were moved by the gesture.
"Everyone at the sports day were crying their eyes out – these kids don’t know how amazing they are," she said.
"Rory's mum couldn’t believe it, but the boys acted like it wasn't a big deal."
Rory's mother Ros Kettles, said Rory’s classmate’s gesture had made his day.
"After he crossed the finish line he was really excited and just kept saying 'I won! I won!' and at home that night he said 'I feel so happy that I won!'" she said.
"He’s been involved in sports day before but usually stops and looks round to see where everyone is.
"This year I said 'It's your last year, make sure you don't stop'. Luckily he didn't see them all coming up behind him as he would have stopped.
"I was really emotional when I saw the video and lots of the parents there were emotional too."
"He’s in such a lovely class – all the children have always included Rory but they’re an especially lovely bunch of lads," she said.
Related links:
Photos show the pure joy of adoption after foster care
Having a sibling makes boys selfless
Babies know whether you are naughty or nice