r/MadeMeSmile • u/Its-Eve • 18h ago

Wholesome Moments Went to support our coworker with Down syndrome at his football game

33.8k Upvotes

97% Upvoted

249 comments sorted by

4.0k

u/Its-Eve 18h ago

For the past 3 weeks our coworker with Down syndrome have been talking about his super important football game. So we organised and went to cheer for him.

I have to admit I had never been at a game like this, watching all the people play and have fun was super heartwarming and nice, my heart melt.

At some point they realised what we were doing so everyone playing kept coming toward us to cheer, high five or simply get some attention. It was really super fun

841

u/gibilx 18h ago

Aw that sounds so wholesome, can’t even imagine the sheer amount of joy you guys brought to all of them by simply cheering and giving high fives

31

u/inediblecorn 7h ago

There’s nothing better than a high five.

Wait, I’m wrong. A low five is pretty great, too.

462

u/EasilyLuredWithCandy 18h ago

Um.... can you come to my choir cabaret tonight?

198

u/random420x2 17h ago

🤣 I was sort of tearing up and then your comment caused explosive laughter.

31

u/discreet1 17h ago

Wasn’t ready for this comment. Spit.

7

u/sillysammie13 7h ago

Babe this is hilarious, I spat out my drink.

But also! If you wanna DM and we’re in the same area I’ll come to your next cabaret!!!!

121

u/RebeccaDeMornay 17h ago

My son plays on a baseball league for kids with disabilities and whenever someone new joins us for a game, they have the same kind of reaction. Thank you for being such a great coworker and friend!

41

u/RiffRaff14 15h ago

Father of a son with DS here... making me choke up. Good on you!

Also... is there only one net? Can't see the one on the other end of the court, but not sure if the camera didn't pan far enough.

61

u/DelirousDoc 17h ago

Why are there just random dudes in the field of play not wearing any uniform?

Just curious about that.

393

u/Its-Eve 17h ago

There were a few people with very severe disabilities that needed to be guided and/or helped for the entire time. They were mostly there to help them and make sure everyone was involved in the game :)

86

u/DelirousDoc 17h ago

Thanks for the follow up.

Y'all seem to have made your coworkers day with this!

7

u/spidersinthesoup 14h ago

year...they made his year. and i sure hope i can work these onions into dinner prep...

38

u/nikeplusruss 17h ago

Pretty sure they assist the players with where to go, etc.

7

u/AsteroidMiner 17h ago

Because everyone has some impairment so you need some people to assist them to play / give directions?

13

u/JicamaAgitated8777 16h ago

If this isn't awarded by time I get home to my wallet (stupid apple pay), I'm doing my first award today

You and your co-workers rock.

5

u/mamahereforthedrama 16h ago

This is so heartwarming! Being kind doesn’t take much effort and leaves everyone feeling better for it! Thanks for spreading kindness 🩷

4

u/Fingfangfoom67 18h ago

Great work. 

3

u/Couldthisbemanda 17h ago

You're great for doing this for him!

3

u/Villainero 14h ago

You all are truly kind souls. My heart melts to see them so pumped up and with the game, but also because good people are always an inspiration. You all are good people, and I hope life goes swell for you and everyone there.

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5.2k

u/Batmanswrath 18h ago

You bunch of absolute legends, way to hype a man up.

3.4k

u/Its-Eve 18h ago

Haha we had been hyping him for weeks. He kept saying he was the top scorer and promised one goal for each of us.

745

u/Bubble_Cheetah 18h ago

Did he deliver?

3.6k

u/Its-Eve 18h ago

We ended up being 22 people from work between those he invited himself and others who decided to join for a fun evening. So no he didn’t score 22 goals, but still scored 3 bangers and made sure to dedicate them to all his fans.

989

u/random420x2 17h ago

Best reason ever to not reach your “goal”.

243

u/21BlackStars 16h ago edited 14h ago

Y’all are some amazing friends! Good on you, for real, good on you

166

u/blackhole_sonnn 16h ago

Hat tricks are the norm for him 💯

66

u/RiffRaff14 15h ago

When I have fans show up to a game, I generally hope to score one and some how just get injured instead... a hattrick is amazing.

39

u/SpaceTechBabana 14h ago

Hey man or lady or non-binary homie, I’ve managed to get injured before even playing a fucking sport. So like, everything is relative. You did fantastic by my standards.

12

u/nizzo311 8h ago

I don’t even know you and I like you already.

48

u/Slutty_Cartoon 15h ago

Some of us have always dreamed of playing in a world stage. Very few of us actually do. When I was growing up, nothing made me feel more like a star then when I scored with my friends watching and them gowing crazy about it. For just those few moments, you and your buddies made him feel like he scored a winning goal in a world cup. Thats all we can really ask for in life, isn't it? A few moments to live the dream

11

u/treetrunks1015 15h ago

I was just thinking this myself! How amazing it is to have that many people there for you is just something else! 👌👍

85

u/DistractedByCookies 16h ago

This is SO sweet, just what I needed in these not fun news times.

33

u/EddieCheddar88 14h ago

He got 22 fans to show up just for him‽ My college hockey team sometimes didn’t have that many lol

19

u/FinancialLab8983 15h ago

Fucking legend.

15

u/cultureshook 14h ago

as someone with a brother with special needs i absolutely love seeing this sort of support - knowing people with downs they absolutely love what they do so just makes me happy to see this :)

10

u/heebsysplash 15h ago

I hope you all threw your hats. Or do they not do that in footy?

Either way I’d razz him for coming up 19 goals short haha

19

u/philipinapio1 16h ago

Ahhhhh man. You're good people. 

7

u/Spare-Swimming-4811 13h ago

Your company sounds like a lovely place to work!

2

u/fenrisulfur 14h ago

A hat trick is not to be frowned over.

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u/Snowbank_Lake 15h ago

Love his confidence!

4

u/Ghost_Projekt 14h ago

You guys are awesome!! He looks like he’s having the time of his life. Hell yeah!!

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u/Koko-noki 15h ago

the goal was absolute fantastic i will give 47/46 🔥🔥🔥

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u/alienburial 18h ago

as someone who used to work with people with special needs - if he competes in the Special Olympics (he may not), PLEASE go to a tournament! it will be like nothing you have ever experience before! everyone is SO happy to be there and they all see old friends they may only see a few times a year. man, i miss going. thank you for supporting him 💜 i'm sure all of you going to his game meant more to him than you will ever know! these events always mean so much to them and they look forward to them for sooooo long. my old clients would talk about their regional competitions all year and they're all so proud of their ribbons and medals.

45

u/EveryRadio 14h ago

Sounds lovely. That's the spirit of true sportsmanship. Celebrating achievements, pushing each other to do their best, and having a good time with friends. What more could you ask for??

29

u/Cardi_Ganz 13h ago

I competed in Special Olympics as a kid/teen (I'm visually impaired) for basketball and figure skating. It's been decades, I'm still just as proud of my medals and ribbons. It was a BLAST, having people show up to cheer you on just like every other sports event is a feeling I cannot describe. It's the happiest sporting competition you'll ever attend.

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u/RoyalEnfield78 18h ago

This is the world I want to live in

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u/Ok_Contribution4047 17h ago

Same! But of course there’s the assholes out there who would call this “Woke” and ruin everything for everyone. Fuck I’m so tired.

35

u/RoyalEnfield78 17h ago

I feel you 100%

14

u/EveryRadio 13h ago

Woke is apparently when (checks notes) people play soccer and their friends cheer them on /s

I just don't get how people can't like this. It's not like this is the world cup. It's people having fun playing soccer. who wouldn't get hyped when the player is having such a great time?

5

u/bigmike2k3 12h ago

It’s committing the “sin” of empathy…

3

u/delusionalxx 12h ago

For people actually interested in enjoying something like this, PLEASE look into your local special Olympics. We always need volunteers. You will get a break from the world, you will be in a space of true authenticity, true support, and true teamwork. You will learn things about yourself and unlearn misconceptions you may not even realize you had

8

u/Infinite-Algae7021 15h ago

Same dude all I want to do when I sell my startup is start a bunch of charity programs I run that also make money by operating cafes and other services so I can pay adults with disabilities so they can have a life of dignity and financial safety. Everything will be at cost so I can fund it indefinitely with my own money plus donations.

2

u/RoyalEnfield78 14h ago

I love this for you and for everyone who will benefit!!

2

u/maktriple 14h ago

Look into Café Joyeux in France !

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u/HistoricalHeart 18h ago edited 17h ago

The world is a better place because you and your coworkers are all in it.

235

u/noellestarr 18h ago

As the sister of a Downs brother, Y’ALL ROCK!!! You seriously made your coworker’s year. My bro loves nothing more than being celebrated for his awesomeness (which we do loudly and frequently), particularly by his peers. Blessings to all 22 of you badass humans 🙏🏼💕🙌🏼

79

u/Its-Eve 17h ago

Aw I hope your brother gets all the support and cheering he deserves! ❤️

20

u/Crime_Dawg 14h ago

Sister of a Downs, combined with ROCK, and I can't not start hearing "Chop Suey" in my head.

77

u/elizawatts 18h ago

how wonderful!!! A great play, score and celebration!!! then right back to focus on the game. Way to go!!!! 🥇

103

u/Its-Eve 17h ago

He was absolutely focused, his ‘rival’ as he call him had already scored 2 goals for the opposite team, so he needed to prove he’s the real top scorer.

30

u/elizawatts 17h ago

Far far better than I!! My only score in a soccer match ever was at age 5 against my own team. Let’s just say it wasn’t my sport 😂

15

u/Its-Eve 16h ago

Hey that’s still a goal 😂

5

u/GiantBrownBalls 13h ago

This story gets better and better with every one of your comments! haha This could be an amazing comedy movie! Tell your friend to start writing his dream script. Shane Gillis can play him!

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u/Unable_Dragonfly_371 18h ago

You surely made his day and the rest of his team 🫶

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u/LafayetteLa01 18h ago

This is so wholesome!

19

u/Bouche_Audi_Shyla 18h ago

Thank you for supporting him. It means so very much.

20

u/DistractedByCookies 16h ago

See? This is how "boys will be boys" is supposed to look! I love the positivity. I see he takes his sport very seriously too

15

u/NPC_Dolphin 17h ago

He turned on the gas for you big dog. Way to be there 👏👏

12

u/runningmurphy 18h ago

Man I would totally go watch these guys play games. That would be fun to get people to attend. I bet everyone would leave feeling good about life.

11

u/Fizzabl 18h ago

r/HumansBeingBros top tier moment for you guys to do

11

u/beazer34 16h ago

The speed at which he turned and bolted straight to you guys to celebrate with you may have made me happier than it did him. It is so rare to see and experience pure joy, thank you for posting and sharing.

8

u/Optimal-Equipment744 16h ago

My partners uncle has down syndrome and he is easily my favourite family member from her family that guy is always happy and it rubs off on everyone he meets/spends time with/speaks to. Does do my head in the that he always beats me at pool.

14

u/Its-Eve 16h ago

I had never interacted with Down syndrome people this closely before. Found myself working with him a few months ago and my goodness the way he’s always happy and hugging people at the smallest thing. It’s genuinely incredible the way he cheers everyone up by simply being around.

5

u/Optimal-Equipment744 16h ago

That’s exactly point you don’t need to be related or close to them for the happiness to rub off. I love my uncle Liam and there’s plenty of times I’ve gone round to his on my own just to cheer myself up. Selfish I know but he doesn’t know that and doesn’t need to he’s happy I’m there and I’m happy he’s dragging me out of a shit mental state.

14

u/greennurse0128 17h ago

I just dug a trench to install irrigation. Now i am crying at how amazing some random people are in some random place cheering on a friend.

7

u/cita11 17h ago

Best video all day!!!!

6

u/EMF911 17h ago

Nice pass to your man to give the fans what they came to see

6

u/ElloM8yy 18h ago

Beautiful.

7

u/LunaFlareWisp 18h ago

You can tell this was about more than football.

5

u/ChamberOfSolidDudes 17h ago

Damn, that was a sick goal.

10

u/BubbleRogue 18h ago

Looking at what people with disabilities achieve makes me work harder and appreciate my health more

8

u/Main_Reference_1978 17h ago

He’s locked in, the side hug while keeping an eye on the opposing team. That lad came to play

4

u/FeistyVegan 18h ago

heck yes :)

3

u/bellavie 18h ago

so nice to see all this love and support in these dark times.

4

u/QuinnIsWild 15h ago

Best group of friends i've seen

5

u/FederaIGovernment 15h ago

God, finally some wholesome stuff that everybody can get behind 👍🏻

4

u/AccomplishedEssay773 15h ago

Fuckyeah the boys 🔥🔥

4

u/CalendarHumble8187 14h ago

Without revealing your place of work, what type of work do you do? And how do they incorporate him into it. Sounds like your company culture is great! Or just good people working there

11

u/Its-Eve 13h ago

Production line for a world-wide known brand. Other people with Down syndrome and autism work in the same place as us and are integrated. Depending on the level of their disability they do different things. Some work almost the same as us just with reduced workload, others helps with smaller things that save us a lot of time and allow them to be around people and be part of the group :)

10

u/bureaucratic_bananas 18h ago

this makes me so happy, ur friend has great coworkers!!

3

u/Content-Program411 17h ago

U very very very very very good people.

Top top tier blokes

U make the world work. 

3

u/PhoneHome444 16h ago

Wow that can’t be easy controlling a soccer ball in hard wood floors like that… impressive!

2

u/Its-Eve 16h ago

They were using some kind of balls that almost didn’t bounce, like if they were deflated, but still round. I have no clue if that’s the norm for these type of games or what, just something I noticed.

3

u/UnfamousFox 16h ago

Chi sta tagliando le cipolle? mannaggia a voi che belli

3

u/irtogio 14h ago

Forza Pippo!!!

3

u/Eatthebeatz 14h ago

Amazing energy then he really looks like a pro at the end. every bit the footballer. Coming out the adrenaline and regaining focus. Champ. I think he is possibly cheering you guys on and trying to support you on the path to complete radness. Great video. The world needs this energy :) thanks for sharing and making it happen.

3

u/LucyOnline 14h ago

This is my fav video on the internet today

3

u/void_abinitio 14h ago

This healed my soul! You guys are a gem of people. ❤️

3

u/ChurroDeLeche 14h ago

This makes me happy lol

3

u/ApprehensiveCan5730 12h ago

Guy could legit outplay me, well done all.

3

u/lowtronik 12h ago

Down or not it's everyone's dream to score a goal and celebrate with the fans

3

u/effienay 10h ago

I just started working at a residential home and one of our kids is doing the Special Olympics this season and I can not wait to yell for them.

3

u/bubblehead_maker 17h ago

That's the positivity I needed today. Damn ninjas and their onions.

2

u/PrisonMike2020 18h ago

Wholesome as fuck. Good on you guys.

2

u/Senior-Pineapple-177 16h ago

New core memory ❤️❤️❤️

2

u/Acrobatic-Director-1 16h ago

This is a great reminder that we all need to come out and support each other. Now I need to know where y’all work so I can come join some awesome humans!

2

u/FLVoiceOfReason 16h ago

I’m cutting a lot of onions here… so wonderful!

2

u/BlockOfASeagull 15h ago

He is a machine!! The goal was a banger!

2

u/thesaceone 15h ago

Let's gooooo!!

2

u/TheCleverMoose 15h ago

Spellbinding touch to the bottom left corner .. just look what it means to the fans

Sound celebration

2

u/Javeyn 15h ago

Bros be bro'in'

2

u/AdventurousStore2021 14h ago

Yall are so right, this DID make me smile. Like really really big

2

u/OG-demosthenes 13h ago

I have a daughter with Down Syndrome. This is the world I live in. She is a skier and a swimmer. I can't ski as well as her, for the record.

2

u/Disco11 13h ago

That's something he's going to remember for the rest of his life. You and your crew are good people in this weird world. Hats off!

2

u/AnxiousFlubber 12h ago

Absolutely legendary stuff right here. Brought a tear to my eye.

2

u/Poneke365 12h ago

All round, love this vibe😊

2

u/EvanzeTieste 9h ago

Fuckin get in son! Get in!

2

u/Boring_Teaching5229 8h ago

And there it is … I melted like a candle 🕯️with tears, smile and all.

This was very wholesome, thank you for doing this legends🙏🏽

2

u/emanresu18 5h ago

This is what it’s all about. Spread the love

2

u/jaacajas 18h ago

That goalie was gone

2

u/ToasterBath4613 15h ago

Goooaaaaaaaaallllllllll!

You guys rock. Well done!

1

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1

u/christivn009 18h ago

man, Godspeed. y’all are awesome! 🫶 & what a smooth goal!

1

u/eveningberry- 18h ago

So sweet 🥹

1

u/Commenter989 18h ago

How beautiful

1

u/slick6719 17h ago

That was such a great thing to do! He will never forget that support. Good humans made me smile and know there is hope!

1

u/Rawr_Cora 17h ago

this is so cool looks like a great vibe

1

u/Urbestperfectionxs 17h ago

This is what true team spirit looks like ❤️ Support means everything, and moments like this make the world a kinder place. So proud of you all!

1

u/Beaglester 17h ago

This is a wonderful video to start the weekend❤️

1

u/Gamesgrunt 17h ago

Damn that's wholesome! Just what I needed. :)

1

u/yuuhhhhhhh69420 16h ago

Fucking LOCKED IN.

Ya love to see it.

1

u/crokokantz 16h ago

Funny, that’s Messi man

1

u/Deef3 16h ago

Great assist too!

1

u/BILLYsmaalls 16h ago

Absolutely incredible, love it!

1

u/Emotional_Style_4623 16h ago

You're all awesome. This is heartwarming 🥺🥰

1

u/slipry_ninja 16h ago

To see someone this happy, it's worth the game.

1

u/Least-Raisin2626 16h ago

Yes dude…yes. Keep up the great work all of you.

1

u/Roberth90 16h ago

Great goal 👏👏

1

u/rapprivate 16h ago

That's so awesome! Great job!!!

1

u/9ninjas 16h ago

Offsides /s

1

u/Admirable-Eagle-231 16h ago

Dude needs to go pro. Legend!

1

u/Creepy_Syllabub_9245 16h ago

I love this so much!!!

1

u/KardelSharpeyes 16h ago

He was so ready for that cele, what a lad.

1

u/Fit-Supermarket-9656 16h ago

This is so wholesome thanks for sharing 🤙

1

u/Ok-Try-857 16h ago

Beautiful 

1

u/LogicalVariation741 15h ago

We have downs kids/adults at my flying trapeze studio. They perform every show and we all support them. I don't want to live in a community that doesn't show love for everyone. Good job sirs

1

u/UmaSherbert 15h ago

He ran straight to the boys for the hype!

1

u/iworkbluehard 15h ago

jocks... gonna prance and celebrate

1

u/Competitive-Milk-868 15h ago

This is the best thing I've seen in forever!!

1

u/Ok-Click-80085 15h ago

Where you get that chee danny

1

u/solidneutral 15h ago

What a finish. Very nice.

1

u/galaxygalaxy777 15h ago

Thats so fucking cute !!!

1

u/One_Anything_2279 15h ago

What a fucking legend.

1

u/TheJonnieP 15h ago

I love the backwards bounce steps…

1

u/Brilliant-Character8 15h ago

United! Do your thing!

1

u/bigSTUdazz 15h ago

Goooooallllllll!

1

u/Eatthebeatz 15h ago

Immaculate energy from everyone. Love it.

1

u/FlaccidHouse 14h ago

Lovely finish from the lad. Really cool being so supportive of your friend

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u/[deleted] 14h ago

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u/TimeWastingAuthority 14h ago

¡Goooooolllllllll!

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u/CatfreshWilly 14h ago

You guys are legends, this was so sweet.

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u/Hour-Gene6457 14h ago

You guys are awesome

1

u/AlternativeWise9555 14h ago

Cheeky finish from the lad

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u/changemymind99 14h ago

This was so wholesome, take my upvote

1

u/kmarinouofm 14h ago

you all are good lads ! wish i could buy you all a pint

1

u/CryInteresting5631 14h ago

Hope you bought a round or two for him after.

1

u/Larrynemesis 14h ago

This subreddit should be renamed to “MadeMeCry” cause DAMN I be crying every time I see one of these posts

1

u/nilesintheshangri-la 14h ago

As a parent of a child with special needs, people like you give me such hope and relief. Genuinely good people doing good things, I love it. Thank you.

1

u/heygos 14h ago

HELL YEAH. Good on you lot!! 💙💙⚽️

1

u/slhc 14h ago

We aren’t calling offsides or?

1

u/anwar_negali 13h ago

Hell yeah!

1

u/mothzilla 13h ago

We're going to have to watch the VAR for this one.

1

u/IHoldSteady 13h ago

A real friend would have told him he was offsides.

1

u/riedmae 13h ago

Bro has ice in his veins. Hit the breakaway and didn't buckle. Legend!! And the crew hyped him like pros. Love all around!

1

u/RatArsedGarbageDog 13h ago

Camera cuts out the foot work for the goal, did he send the keeper and back heel it in?

1

u/bjorno1990 13h ago

Did the keeper with the eyes. What a finish!

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u/AdministrativeCow612 13h ago

Thank you !!! 🌸🩷🌸

1

u/xxNemasisxx 13h ago

This is absolutely wholesome as fuck but is nobody else confused as to why they're playing football inside on wooden floors this feels so weird to me, maybe I'm just out of touch though...

1

u/Critical_Sand_4412 13h ago

Like Shane Gillis said, they’re having a pretty great time consistently, better than any of us. Hopped up on capri suns!

1

u/hellgal 12h ago

You are all incredible people! I know that must have meant the world to him :).

1

u/Weekly-Importance-46 12h ago

That is awesome!!!

1

u/pungent_queefer 12h ago

Clearly miles offside. /s this is so dope!!! Homeboy inside-outed the keeper nasty lol

1

u/Thick_Supermarket_25 11h ago

This is just so fucking lovely 😭❣️

1

u/Solutions-Architect 11h ago

Is that Benson Boone at the end?

1

u/guyute2588 11h ago

Dudes rock