Eighth grader with Williams syndrome scores touchdown in middle school football game
By Jay Motiwala
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YADKIN COUNTY, North Carolina (WXII) — Gabe James, an eighth grader at Starmount Middle School in Yadkin County, took the field Tuesday night and scored a touchdown in a middle school football game, fulfilling a dream despite living with Williams syndrome, a rare genetic condition.
“It’s gonna get loud!” Gabe James said, eagerly anticipating the game.
Gabe’s excitement for football was evident throughout the day.
“Playing with my football players!” he said, when asked what he was most looking forward to.
His father, Rich James, shared how much Gabe loves the sport.
“He watches highlights, in the morning, of games from the past weekend or whatever,” Rich James said. “So he’s getting stoked about it.”
Grace Wells, Gabe’s teacher, expressed her joy in seeing him get this opportunity.
“I love that Gabe gets this opportunity, out on the football field, because football is his everything,” Wells said. “He talks about it daily.”
When the big moment arrived, Gabe suited up to play against Forbush Middle School. His excitement was clear as he greeted fans and teammates.
“Everybody loves that youngin. There is nobody that would say that they do not love that kid,” said Jeff Swaim, Starmount Middle School’s football coach.
He explained that the team wanted to give Gabe this chance because of how much it meant to him.
“Anytime we can do something like that to help one of our kids, we’re all for it,” Swaim said.
As the game began, Gabe ran through the banner and lined up on the field. Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for: he ran the ball into the end zone on the first play of the game.
The crowd erupted in cheers as Gabe scored. His mother, Ashley James, was overcome with emotion.
“I’ve been crying most of the day, like happy tears. This was a dream come true for him. Between this school and Forbush allowing this to happen, this is what it’s all about,” she said.
When asked who he dedicated the moment to, Gabe said, “For my whole family! And my band room! And my cheerleaders!”
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