He made national news in his bid to play high school sports and now a teen with Down syndrome is in the running to win $25,000 from Sports Illustrated for his plight.

Eric Dompierre publicly challenged the Michigan High School Athletic Association over a rule that disqualified him from playing football his senior year because at 19 he had aged out. With significant media attention, Dompierre was able to convince the association earlier this year to alter its rules and grant him a waiver to participate in school sports for one final year.

Now a Sports Illustrated video about Dompierre’s experience is one of 10 finalists in the magazine’s annual “Underdogs” contest. Readers will choose the winner in an online vote that’s open through Nov. 15.

The video about the Ishpeming, Mich. teen is currently leading the pack. If Dompierre’s story comes out on top, he’ll score a $25,000 grant for his school and a trip to New York, reports MLive. To read more click here.

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