By Pam Norman
From the moment Matt Downing entered the world, the odds were stacked against him. Born with cerebral palsy (CP) due to complications during birth, doctors told his mother he would likely never walk. But where others saw limitations, Matt’s mother saw potential. She used the power of sports as therapy to help her son grow strong in body and mind.
Through determination, leg braces, and the unwavering support of his family, Matt proved that nothing — not even CP — would keep him from chasing his dreams.
Living Between Two Worlds
Growing up, Matt faced a unique challenge: his disability wasn’t always visible. This often led people to question whether he truly belonged in the disability community. Straddling two worlds, he felt like he didn’t quite fit into either. But instead of letting that divide define him, Matt used it to build bridges, fostering understanding and helping create inclusive communities where everyone could belong.
Sports as a Catalyst for Growth
Sports played a central role in Matt’s development. With no adaptive programs available at the time, he joined mainstream teams — playing soccer, basketball, baseball, and even captaining the swim team. His love for athletics eventually led him to Campbell University in North Carolina, where he pursued a degree in Sports Management. While there, he founded a sports management club, taught swim lessons, and completed five internships, including one with U.S. Soccer.
During a tryout for the U.S. National CP Soccer Team, Matt was told he was “too able-bodied” to compete. Though disheartening, it became a defining moment, one that deepened his understanding of the disability spectrum and sharpened his drive to make sports more inclusive for all.
Advocacy Fueled by Experience
That passion now drives Matt’s advocacy. For him, sports are more than just games; they are platforms for social change. Just as movements like Black Lives Matter have shown how sports can shift cultural narratives, Matt believes adaptive athletics can help reframe how society views disability. His goal is clear: promote early CP detection, improve support systems, and redefine what it means to live a life without limits with cerebral palsy.
Love, Partnership, and Shared Understanding
Matt’s journey has also been shaped by love. He met his wife, Beckie, during a high school fun run. Both were living with invisible conditions: his cerebral palsy, her leukemia. That shared experience of being misunderstood bonded them deeply. They married in November 2022 and live in Fayetteville, North Carolina. There, Matt continues his mission of inclusion as both a volunteer and a member of Fayetteville Next, a city commission dedicated to building a more inclusive and welcoming community for everyone.
Empowering the Next Generation
When asked what advice he would give to young people with disabilities, Matt doesn’t hesitate: “Expect the unexpected. Things never turn out the way you think they will. But if you stay open to new opportunities, you’ll find your way.”
Whether he’s mentoring others, advocating for early intervention, or helping launch inclusive products like Nike’s FlyEase shoes, Matt Downing proves that people with cerebral palsy can — and do — lead bold, dynamic lives. He is the embodiment of a life without limits with cerebral palsy — a life powered by connection, courage, and the will to create a more inclusive world.
About the Author
Pam Norman is the director of development for United Cerebral Palsy National. She brings nearly 20 years of experience in nonprofit executive management, including donor and corporate relations, partnership and business development, fundraising, strategy and financial sustainability. Before joining UCP, Pam was the chief philanthropy officer for Kiwanis International. She has a bachelor’s degree from Butler University and lives in Zionsville, Indiana.
