Duchesne senior pitcher/outfielder Jack Burle says it’s easy to put into words just what his little brother, Xavier, brings to all those whose paths he happens to cross.

Burle said that Xavier, born with Down Syndrome, is a beacon of happiness everywhere he goes.

“Xavier brings joy to everyone he meets,” Burle said.

That’s why Burle said he felt the need to do something to honor his little brother – and to do it on March 21, which is observed as World Down Syndrome Awareness Day.

It just so happened that the day also fell on the day of a season-opening event, which featured eight high school baseball teams from around the region. Before the start of the season, Burle created informative gift bags, which included rubber bracelets to be worn, for members of each of the eight teams to raise awareness of Down syndrome.

Down Syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by the triplication, or trisomy, of the 21st chromosome.

“I came up with the idea of Down Syndrome awareness bracelets about three weeks before the season started,” Burle said. “This was important to me because I have a brother who has Down Syndrome, and I have seen the daily challenges he faces. I wanted to bring awareness so everyone could be better educated and be more aware of the condition.”

Warrenton senior catcher Austin Haas, who plays for Warrenton baseball coach Eric Burle, who is also Xavier and Jack’s dad, said that being a part of the event and getting to see how touching and inspirational the tribute from Jack to his brother was.

He added that being able to be a small part of the event, to learn more about Down Syndrome and to lend his support meant a lot to him.

“It was something special, it was incredible how much he cares and supports his family,” Haas said. “The note within the gift bag was inspirational, showing the whole team how truly smart he is. The way he was able to express his thoughts with all of these teams shows how smart and amazing Xavier is. The words he shared with us and the bracelets within the gift bags meant so much, he truly opened my eyes on how amazing Xavier is. So, it was an incredible thing to do to support his family, I’m super fortunate to be able to support as well.”

Jack said that he couldn’t have done what he did without the help of those around him.

He said that his stepmother, Katie Burle, helped in getting everything together with the gifts and in printing the accompanying flyers and that his entire team was supportive of his mission while surprising his dad with the recognition. Even though their two teams didn’t oppose one another that day, to be at the same ballpark offered a harmonic convergence on the day.

“I would like to thank my stepmom for printing out the flyers and getting gift bags made, I would also like to thank (Duchesne) Coach (Mike) Hollander for supporting my request to bring awareness by ordering the Down Syndrome awareness bracelets to share with all the teams who participated in the event,” Burle said. “It was a nice chance to surprise my dad.”

The elder Burle said that there was a deep sense of pride in what his son accomplished that day, and every day, for that matter.

“First of all, I was very impressed that he was able to do this,” Eric Burle said. “I am extremely proud of Jack and we are lucky to have amazing and thoughtful kids that care for each other and others.”

Jack’s mom, Sarah Bishop, added that seeing the close-knit bond between the boys is truly special.

“I am very proud of Jack for taking the initiative to bring awareness to Down Syndrome,” Bishop said. “I know that Xavier loves Jack, and I think it’s sweet that Jack wants to look after Xavier and educate people about the genetic disorder.”