After watching brothers wrestle, boy with special needs gets his chance

MERRIMACK, N.H. — The Dewar family is a proud wrestling family, with medals and trophies decorating their Merrimack, New Hampshire home.

Fourteen-year-old Anson and 8-year-old Rhys regularly compete, but 12-year-old Luke typically cheers them on from the sidelines.

"I love Luke. He comes to every tournament, every duel... I never get to thank him as I need to," said Anson Dewar, Luke's brother.

"Luke is often my sidekick coaching. He's been very happy," said Jeff Dewar, Luke's dad.

He says Luke - like his brothers - basically grew up in a gym, but Luke has a developmental disability that limits what he can do.

"Luke just loves being involved with anything his brothers do, his dad does," said Tammy Dewar, Luke's mom.

But his love of wrestling has no limits.

On Sunday, when his brothers competed at the New Hampshire Wrestling Association for State Youth Championships, Luke was there.

"When all the matches were over, there was only one mat out," said Jeff Dewar.

One mat where Luke would shine.

Another wrestler, Jude Correa, offered to take Luke on in an exhibition match.

"It was really exciting. I was really happy for him. He never really gets to do that," said Rhys Dewar, Luke's brother.

That moment Luke's parents continue to relive.

"My heart just.... it made me so happy. It made me so happy because I could just see the joy," said Tammy Dewar.

Joy that culminated with Luke on the podium after he owned the mat and owned his moment.

"He doesn't get to do the things that other kids his age get to do," said Tammy. "So for him to be atop that podium, have a medal just like his brothers...."

This was Luke's second exhibition match.

His parents say when he attends Merrimack Middle School next year, they hope he gets involved in track and the Special Olympics.

Cox Media Group