Burlington High wrestler helps opponent with special needs reach his goal

BURLINGTON, Mass. (FOX 25 / MyFoxBoston.com) A Burlington High wrestling star recently put aside his pride to help another teen reach a goal.

Daniel Gill is a Wakefield High sophomore who competed in his first-ever wrestling match against a 2012 state champion. Gill has Down Syndrome and just joined the team this season after years of begging.
 
Burlington High wrestler Steven Giampapa says he went easy on Gill, but the teen was a "pretty good wrestler." Gill ended up winning the match, handing Giampapa a loss for his stat sheet.

The match was rewarding for both players. While Gill got his moment in the wrestling spotlight, Giampapa quietly slipped off the floor knowing he helped someone else.

"That kind of match was just as important for him as it was for me to win a state title," says Giampapa.

Gill's mother, Lauren, says the win meant a lot to her son and her family.

"That was the world to my son that night, he was so happy," says Lauren.

Lauren adds that watching her son practice is one thing, but she says watching him exceed her expectations brought tears to her eyes.

Gill took a moment after his victory to acknowledge his mother by giving her a thumbs up. His win was his only match this season, but he says he'll be back next year for more.

Cox Media Group