One simple play during a local youth football game in Central Louisiana turned into a memorable moment for everyone in attendance.
Zade Rutledge, 10, was cheered on by teammates and coaches as he raced into the endzone. Zane was born with Down Syndrome, but he has never let that or any other defender prevent him from scoring.
“Most Down Syndrome kids don’t get to play sports and do what he does,” said Zade’s father, Heath Rutledge. “The few that do, get to experience what he experiences. He will hopefully remember it for the rest of his life.”
Zade faced Down Syndrome head-on from a young age, beginning with horseback riding at six months old and progressing to sports at three. What makes him even more special is that he did it with his twin brother, Zane.
“Most people really don’t notice this side of Down Syndrome, so for everybody to see this means a lot,” said Zade and Zane’s mother, Chasity.
The two brothers are now teammates on Jena’s Bayou Mountain Rams team, where they have formed a new band of brothers who have all treated Zade as one of their own. Blake Davidson, the team’s coach, stated that Zade simply wants to be treated like everyone else.
“I love Zade because I’m such a serious person when it comes to this and he brings the light I need to calm down,” said Davidson. “While I’m giving my best message, Zade is going around playing duck, duck goose, and I have to realize that that is what it’s all about.”
Every game, Zade’s team makes sure he gets into the endzone and makes a tackle. Both teams come together in the ultimate display of sportsmanship to help create a memorable moment for the Rutledge family.
In just a few minutes of being around Zade, he has a contagious smile, unrivaled energy, and a desire to score that is heart-warming for all who witness it.
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