ND Athletes exceed expectations at Adaptive Sports Nationals

Two North Dakota athletes not only medaled, but set national records, at the Adaptive Sports USA Junior Track and Field Nationals last month in Middleton, Wisconsin.

"We'd never even looked into track and field, because we didn't know if with his balance and what not, if that was something he could do. But I guess that's his gift," said April Murry, Deondre's mother.

13-year-old Deondre Murry from Wilton and 12-year-old Jose Matthews from Mandan were both diagnosed with cerebral palsy in their infancy.

"He has always loved sports, and he has been very frustrated with having a disability, and having that limit his choices," said Yvette Matthews, Coach and Jose’s mother.

But Jose and Deondre have persevered. In the Under 14 age group, Jose won a gold medal in discuss and set two national records.

"Keep going. You gotta keep moving. Even little things you do can help you get close. Maybe just walking every day. Sprint around the track and you'll get better," said Jose Matthews, gold medalist.

As for Deondre, his track debut was a bit of a surprise.

"He kind of blew them out of the water. He said, 'He needs to run 100-meters in 41 seconds, and he ran it in 14.3 I believe it was," said April.

After just three weeks of practice, in the Under 16s, Deondre placed 1st seven times and set four national records. His favorite event is shot put.

"It's all legs, arms, and when you release that, it's all- feels good- just like happiness,” said Deondre Murry, gold medalist.

Dreams in Motion sponsored both athletes as the North Dakota Thunder, a team which placed 2nd in the small teams category in North Dakota's first Junior Nationals.

"Dreams in Motion especially helped my dreams come true,” said Jose.

"When they told us he might never walk, he might never talk, for him to get this far, this quick, it's I don't know, it's overwhelming," said April.

To find out more about Dreams in Motion, or other sporting activities, visit dreamsinmotioninc.com.