Student With Downs Syndrome Scores For Greely High

CUMBERLAND (NEWS CENTER) -- Like many of us, Patrick Thibodeau has dreamed of being a star athlete. On Tuesday night, Patrick, who has Down's Syndrome, saw his dream come true when he went from team manager to starting player.

Patrick made sure his opportunity counted, scoring a 3-pointer with just his second shot. Then, with one minute left in the game, fans stood and chanted Patrick's name. The coach put him back in the game and he delivered -- sinking another three-pointer at the buzzer. Patrick's teammates swarmed around him, and carried him off the court.

The night was extra special for the Thibodeau family. Just two weeks ago, Patrick's father Perry, an assistant coach for the team, suffered a stroke. He almost didn't make the game, but when Perry's doctors heard the situation, they let him out of the hospital just in time to see his son play. Perry said seeing his son score was thrilling.

"It was kind of surprising to me, I couldn't see who had the ball cause I was sitting way down here," says Perry. "But when I saw the ball go up and every one stand up, I said, yeah, I knew that was Patrick. Especially when it went in, that was fantastic! Best feeling you could ever have in your life... become a parent and you find out why."

Patrick's performance was thrilling to the whole Greely High School boys' team. Sam Thompson offered up his starting spot to let Patrick play.

"He comes to practice every day. He comes to every game. He works really hard. He just deserves it," said Thompson.