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[ 12 - 25 July 2025 ]
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Minnamurra Kiama Downs Jamberoo Bombo Kiama Kiama Heights Gerringong Gerroa
Race to remember, mateship to treasure
Matty Taylor
A
powerful moment of mateship and inclusion has captured hearts at Minnamurra Public School, where a Year 6 student with multiple disabilities was cheered to the finish line by his fellow classmates in a moving show of support. Eleven-year-old Viaan only began attending Minnamurra Public School six months ago after moving to Kiama from Melbourne in late 2024. Born with a rare neurological condition known as MPPH syndrome, Viaan also lives with ASD, ADHD and an intellectual disability. Despite those challenges, he took part in the school’s athletics carnival held just before the winter break in late June.Viaan’s parents, Priya and her partner Mark Houghton, were initially unsure whether
he would even attend the carnival. “We actually got a call from the school in the morning saying Viaan was feeling unwell,” Priya recalled this week. “He was excited about our upcoming trip to Fiji and wanted to come home early. But we decided he could stay and do one race before leaving.” That one race turned out to be a 200-metre event organised by one of Viaan’s favourite teachers, Miss Hughes. What happened next stunned Mark, who recorded the race on his phone, and those watching on. “There was a whole group of boys rallying together, saying, ‘Viaan’s racing, who wants to run with him?’,” Mark said. “Viaan ran the first 50 metres, then walked most of the next stretch. But as he came around the final
bend, something beautiful happened. “Several boys who had already completed the race doubled back to join him. They clapped him on, offered encouragement, and jogged beside him down the home straight. “Seeing the way the kids got around Viaan and were cheering him on was amazing. I got emotional. Even after I stopped filming, parents were coming up to me saying how amazing it was to watch.” When Priya later saw the video, she described it as “electrifying”. The moment came just a day after Viaan’s classmates gave him nearly 20 handwritten cards wishing him well ahead of a short placement at the Aspect South Coast School, before he rejoins his Minnamurra mates at Kiama High School next year.
Viaan, his mother Priya and her partner Mark, and, inset, getting encouragement to finish the race. “So, this level of support wasn’t just about one race. It showed how inclusive and kind this school community is,” Mark said. “We had been quite worried about Viaan getting bullied and him not being included before he started at Minnamurra. But it’s been the complete opposite.” Priya said the environment at Minnamurra Public had helped her son grow. “From a social point of view, Viaan can be very introverted,” she said. “But this experience has helped him come out of his shell. It’s helped him grow as a person, which is great.” Minnamurra Public School principal Linda Wilbraham said the closing moment of the
200-metre race spoke volumes about the school’s values. “When I saw the video, I was touched by how naturally and spontaneously Viaan’s peers stepped in to support him,” she said. “They saw a mate in need of encouragement, and they were by his side. “Everyone has their strengths, and at Minnamurra Public School we value a culture of inclusivity, kindness and care, where everyone has the opportunity to succeed, knowing they belong.” Carol Goddard, a regular contributor to The Bugle, watched the race unfold after heading along to watch her grandchild compete at the
athletics carnival earlier in the day. She said it was a moment she would never forget after tipping The Bugle off about this wonderful story. “A young boy, clearly struggling at the 150m mark, was surrounded by fellow students who’d already crossed the finish line. “They walked with him, clapped him on the back, and cheered him to the end,” she said. “If I saw nothing else at the athletics carnival to gladden my heart, this did. And it made my day.”