Grade eight student Desiree Andrews loves to sing and dance, which makes her a welcome addition to the basketball team cheerleading squad at Lincoln Middle School in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
During a basketball game last year, Andrews, who has Down syndrome, was being bullied by spectators in the stands.
A few of the players noticed the taunting and didn’t appreciate it, walking off the court in protest.
READ MORE: 19-month-old with Down Syndrome featured in Calgary ad campaign
“The kids in the audience were picking on Dee, so we all stepped forward,” athlete Chase Velasquez told TMJ4.
Velasquez, along with teammates Miles Rodriguez and Scooter Terrien, now all in grade eight, told the bullies to stop as they walked off the court.
“It’s not fair when other people get treated wrong because we’re all the same,” said Terrien. “We’re all created the same. God made us the same way.”
According to the school district, each member of the Lincoln Middle School’s grade eight boys’ basketball team now shakes Andrews’ hand before every game to show their solidarity with her.
READ MORE: Dad refuses to give up son with Down syndrome after wife’s ultimatum
The school has even renamed the gymnasium “D’s House” and on Monday dedicated their last regular season game to Andrews.
Athletic Director Timothy Nieman says the students at Lincoln Middle School have shown “fantastic integrity and sportsmanship” throughout the last couple of years.
As the students move on to high school in September, they say this experience will help them remember to stand up for each other.
The three boys will be recognized for their actions with a citizenship award from the Kenosha City Council next week.
Comments