Bailey Matthews, 9, stole the hearts of many when video emerged last summer of him crossing the finish line of the Castle Howard Triathlon in North Yorkshire, England.
Matthews has cerebral palsy and started the race with his walking frame, but then ditched it when he saw the finish line. As soon as he got rid of his walking support, he fell twice, got back up and completed the race to the roar of the crowd.
Matthews’ high-powered effort is continuing well beyond the finish line, too.
The boy is launching his own triathlon for kids with disabilities and their families. The Be More Bailey Triathlon will feature a 50-meter swim, a 2.5-kilmometer bike ride, and a 750-meter run. It will take place on July 17 in Derby, England, and it will allow adults to assist competitors.
“I wanted to be involved in doing some good for all the children….If you feel like you want to try it out, but don’t think you can, the thing that I do is: I can try triathlon because it has the word ‘try’ in it.” – Bailey Matthews (BBC Radio Derby)
All of the money raised will go to the Be More Bailey Foundation, which helps families buy sports equipment tailored for disabled children.
There’s so much glory in the attempt, errr, I mean, in the try.
