Following widespread exposure of a YouTube video showing the nine-year-old with cerebral palsy completing a triathlon, Bailey Matthews is taking the next step and creating a triathlon of his own to inspire other children with disabilities to participate.
Bailey completed the 100m swim, 4km cycle and 1.3km run at the Castle Howard Triathlon in Yorkshire, attracting applause around the globe and inspiring hundreds of thousands who’ve since viewed the video.
The inspiring nine-year-old and his family were approached by triathlon apparel brand Huub following the event, with an offer of some gear and the opportunity for them to sponsor an event in Bailey’s name.
And so it was founded, the first ‘Be More Bailey Triathlon’ will take place on July 17 alongside the Jenson Button Trust Triathlon.
Parents will be encouraged to participate alongside their children. Bailey’s father explained to Today.com, "Doing it as a pair helps give each other confidence". Hinting at the strength he knows children contain, he added "You never know, the child might even be the one giving their parent a helping hand."
Adding to his achievements and awards since that first triathlon, Bailey was awarded the Helen Rollason Award for for outstanding achievement in the face of adversity at the 2015 BBC Sports Personality of the Year ceremony.
And as reality TV star and music producer Simon Cowell said, “Be more Bailey. If the world was more Bailey it would be a better place”.
