10-05-2025
Wake Forest Demon Deacons celebrate Victory Day alongside Greater Winston-Salem Down Syndrome Association
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (WGHP) — The Wake Forest football team welcomed in some very special teammates for Victory Day, a day they'll never forget.
'Kids love it,' Defensive Back Rushaun Tongue said. 'I've heard from some parents that it's their favorite day of the year, so I'm glad to be a part of something special, something that's bigger than me. Something that is bigger than the program.'
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The Demon Deacons partnered with the Greater Winston-Salem Down Syndrome Association, giving children and young adults with special needs a day to celebrate their individual achievements and encourage a new perspective on the significance of a strong community.
Wake Forest Running Back Demond Claiborne said, 'Being in this position and being somebody who can come out, be around these kids and share my light is something that I live for. This event is amazing and the community that's involved with this is amazing.'
Victory Day not only means a lot for the players, participants and their families, but it holds a special meaning for first year Head Coach Jake Dickert as well.
'It is personal to me too,' the coach said. 'My niece has Down Syndrome. We're going to get her out here next year and she's going to experience this. It's special. Every kid deserves a tremendous opportunity like this to have fun, to celebrate and to be a Demon Deacon. It just means a lot to me.'
With the season right around the corner, the Demon Deacons are starting the season 1-0 with their most important victory already behind them.
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