Andrew's wildest dreams come true at Kiama

It was a big couple of weeks mid-August for Andrew Case, playing rugby with the local team in Kiama, and the media follow-up. Anne Case was interviewed on ABC local Radio (Illawarra) on 10th, following publication of her letter to the editor of the Illawarra Mercury on 8th, publicly thanking Mark Bryant and Kiama Rugby Union Club for giving Andrew his run with the team.

The Illawarra Mercury followed up with Tim Keeble's story on 12th:

Every footballer fantasises about scoring a hat-trick of tries on debut. That dream recently came true for Mosman's Andrew Case, a 22-year-old rugby union fan born with Down syndrome. Andrew has become a regular face in the crowd at Kiama's home games recently.

On August 1, Andrew had his first taste of rugby when he took up Kiama club president Mark Bryant's invitation to take part in a friendly against University. Andrew had the time of his life, scoring three tries and narrowly missing his conversion attempts. After the game, he shared a couple of beers and a photograph with the players and was presented with a Kiama jersey and club tie.

"He had a ball. You couldn't wipe the smile from his face," Bryant said. "The idea came about while I was having a social drink with his parents, Larry and Anne, and we thought it would be wonderful."

The game was 10 minutes each way and involved mostly third-grade players. "It was great to see him enjoying being part of a team and experiencing the rugby culture," Bryant said.

"He made a speech after the game and had everyone in stitches when he said he might have to get a personal trainer to get a bit fitter. "I can't speak highly enough of University for supporting us and the referee was also a big help."

And then Andrew was named in The Fitz Files "Team of the Week" :

"Andrew Case. The 22-year-old with Down syndrome turned out with the mighty Kiama thirds last Saturday, scored three tries, and his mum is still crying. Good on you, Mrs Case, and Andrew. "

Peter FitzSimons, Sydney Morning Herald, 15th August 2009