Dapto schoolboy Degan Wingate is never the first to cross the finish line in a race - but his fabulous sportsmanship has seen him take the lead in school elections.
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The Year 5 student has been voted in as sports vice-captain for Dapto Public School for 2021, and he wore his new badge with pride on Friday as he stood with the other student leaders.
Degan was born with bilateral perisylvian syndrome - a condition which affects his speech and mobility in a similar way to cerebral palsy, says his mum, Gervaise.
Most of you know I couldn't win a running race to save my life or anyone else's for that matter, and i'll never be selected in any rep team either.
She and Degan's father, Lance, were told he would likely not walk, yet he persevered. So when he came home and told his parents he wanted to be sports leader recently, they didn't doubt he could do it.
He came up with a speech to read to students, who were handed out copies so they could read along.
"Most of you know I couldn't win a running race to save my life or anyone else's for that matter, and i'll never be selected in any rep team either," his speech read.
"But in every race and every competition there is only one winner and that's the easy bit, it's knowing how to lose, come last, be happy, have fun no matter what and take it like a good sport.
"That's the hard part, which I think I do extremely well, let's face it I've had a lot of practice."
Degan told his peers his biggest achievement was learning to walk; which he achieved thanks to his determination, and the amazing staff at Sydney Children's Hospital.
His second biggest achievement was learning to ride a bike, and he also likes to ride his motorbike. In archery, he can hit a bull's-eye with "amazing accuracy from 25 metres almost every time".
"Where I lack in strength and co-ordination I make up with a kind heart and strong mind," he told students.
"You may think of a sports leader as someone with excellent sporting ability - in my opinion their focus serves us better on the field, as for me I feel I can represent and understand everyone within the school, whether playing or watching sport regardless of their position or ability."
The young students agreed, voting him to represent them when he enters his final year of primary school next year.
On Thursday, the International Day of People with Disability was celebrated, and Degan's mum said she was delighted Degan was showing others with a disability that they could achieve their goals.
"Degan is cognitively fine but the condition affects his speech and language and muscles around his face," she said.
"As a result his tongue is partially paralysed, he has trouble swallowing and not everyone understands him.
"We were told he wouldn't walk but his determination has amazed everyone and though he stumbles often, and can fall, he keeps going.
"It took him 100 times longer to learn to ride a bike than other kids, but he's done that too.
"You don't think of a sports leader as a kid with this condition, but it's not just about being the best, it's about trying your best.
"He's just thrilled the students believe in him."
Principal Tony Friedrich said Dapto Public was a very inclusive school, and he congratulated Degan on his new role.
"We're very proud of all the kids and for this young boy it's wonderful that his own peers voted him in and hold him in such high esteem," he said. "It's a positive thing for Degan and a great example of inclusion."
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