Inspiring story of two brothers facing disability head on...

For most brothers, the bonds and memories of childhood are formed outdoors, playing, riding bikes, kicking or throwing a ball act. However for brothers Connor (nine years old) and Cayden Long (six years old) this was particularly difficult due to Cayden suffering from Cerebral Palsy.

Unpeturbed by his younger brother's illness, Connor, 9 years old, decided that he and his brother would ensure that they became 'teammates' by competing in triathlons throughout the US. Despite coming last at such events, both brothers always crossed that finish line together and as such developed a unique close bond.

This remarkable story about a big brother's desire to look after his younger sibling and compete in events together really pulls on the heart strings - and rightly so. In a world where anyone who is different can often feel isolated, especially when growing up, it is quite profound to see Connor not only stand up for his younger brother and develop a personal bond that will never be broken, but most importantly send out a message to the world that being different should not exclude you from such experiences as triathlons etc.

Connor, as a result, was awarded with Sports Illustarted Kids 'Sports kid of the year'  in 2012 and his story brought everyone in the room at the awards ceremony close to tears. Non more so than NBA superstar Lebron James who tells the audience how much Cayden's story has inspired him to the point he promise to tell his own children and teammates all about this remarkable young man.

JR

True inspiration; Connor Long