Young Triathlete With Cerebral Palsy, Bailey Matthews, Inspires Children With Disabilities To Race

How A Young Triathlete With Cerebral Palsy Is Inspiring Kids With Disabilities

A nine-year-old boy with cerebral palsy who completed his first triathlon in 2015 is hoping to inspire other children with disabilities to take part in one, too.

Bailey Matthews from Doncaster, who was famously met with cheers as he crossed the finish line, is organising his own race with help from his parents called the "Be More Bailey Triathlon".

Bailey wants to give children with disabilities confidence that anyone can join in and stay active.

"We're hoping people have a go at it and fingers crossed they enjoy themselves."

Bailey Matthews approaching the finish line during his first triathlon in July 2015

Bailey was diagnosed with the neurological condition cerebral palsy when he was 18 months old. He struggles to walk and uses a walker on a day-to-day basis.

A video of the nine-year-old crossing the finish line at the Castle Howard Triathlon in Yorkshire in 2015 garnered 839,000 views on YouTube in seven months.

Bailey completed the 100-metre swim, 4km bike ride and 1.3km run alongside his dad, who is a longtime triathlete.

Matthews said he helped his son prepare by taking him to lakes to swim and ensuring he had a bike with special training wheels.

After Bailey completed the race, Matthews said a triathlon clothing company called Huub saw the video of Bailey crossing the finish line and sent him goodies, including goggles and a wet suit.

Bailey Matthews was met with cheers when he completed the triathlon

The family thanked them and Huub's owner Dean Jackson offered to have Huub sponsor an event in Bailey's name. This is how the family came up with the idea for their event.

The first 'Be More Bailey' triathlon will be on 17 July in Derby and will run alongside the Jenson Button Trust Triathlon.

Matthews said parents will be encouraged to race alongside their kids, even if they've never competed before.

"Doing it as a pair helps give each other confidence," Matthews added. "You never know, the child might even be the one giving their parent a helping hand."

Since it's the first year, participants can race for free, but the family will be accepting donations.

To find out more about the Be More Bailey triathlon, visit www.jensonbuttontri.com.

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