While the brand-new Kawartha Gymnastics location on Chemong Road in Peterborough is bright and spacious, the big smile on two-year-old Mirha’s face makes the setting even more effervescent.
Mirha was born with a weakened right side as the result of a stroke and receives treatment at Five Counties Children’s Centre. Today, her therapy journey has taken her to Kawartha Gymnastics with her parents for an adaptive gymnastics program developed in partnership with the club and Five Counties.
“Mirha feels like she is playing. This isn’t forced. It’s natural and I think she enjoys that the most,” says her mom Sana, who appreciates that the adaptive gymnastics program challenges her daughter to use her weakened right side.
The adaptive gymnastics program started last fall based on interest from families at Five Counties. Geared to young children with varying abilities, exceptionalities and sensory issues, the program introduces participants to gymnastics.
Using the floor, balance beams, trampolines, and other equipment, the program helps kids work on their motor skills, balance, strength, flexibility, and climbing. Classes are quieter, smaller, and tailored to a child’s needs. Parents also take part. In addition, the program allows participants to socialize, work on listening and communication skills, and take part in activities they might not otherwise be able to try.
“This is a perfect example of how partnerships can break down barriers to help more kids enjoy recreational opportunities,” says Colleen Ristok, a Five Counties therapist who coordinates the Centre’s Therapeutic Recreation program. “Many of our clients wanted to take part in gymnastics, but found existing programs didn’t meet their needs. We approached Kawartha Gymnastics last fall, and the club was wonderful in creating a dedicated class for our kids.”
Based on positive feedback, the adaptive gymnastics program is running again this winter and is open to all families in the community.
Nathan, a coach at Kawartha Gymnastics who supervises the adaptive gymnastics program, says it’s a joy to work with kids like Mirha.
“Everyone has got their own set of skills for this class, so it does make it different, but it is also a lot of fun,” he adds.
Down the road, the Peterborough YMCA is making its own waves to break down barriers to sport. In this case, it’s the launch of an adaptive swim program called SPLASH geared to children of all abilities. This includes kids with physical, sensory, and cognitive disabilities, as well as kids with autism, ADHD, and other neurodiverse conditions.
“There is a gap in accessible swim programming in the community,” says Cindy Mytruk, the Y’s Manager of Partnerships and Inclusion. “There aren’t a lot of pools, and before SPLASH, private lessons were the main option for families. We felt that parents shouldn’t have to pay extra fees just because their children had a disability.”
Heads Up for Inclusion originally contacted the Peterborough Y with the idea to create an inclusive swim safety program, after the tragic drowning of a young autistic boy in Lindsay. Five Counties was also approached to join the conversation.
With input from Heads Up for Inclusion and Five Counties, the local Y developed the SPLASH adaptive swim program to help children with physical and cognitive disabilities, as well as neurodiverse conditions, learn essential aquatic safety skills. The tailored swimming program sees instructors work with the family to develop a flexible lesson plan that focuses on the unique goals of the child. The collaborative planning and relationship building has created a life-changing aquatics program, says Mytruk.
“The successes that we have seen through SPLASH have exceeded our expectations,” she notes. “Every session, we receive success stories that make our team so proud.”
After a successful pilot last year, SPLASH continues to be offered in Peterborough and is expanding to other Y locations in Ontario, including Belleville and Quinte West.
Back at Five Counties, Ristok is grateful for the support of agencies like the Peterborough YMCA, Kawartha Gymnastics, and Heads Up For Inclusion.
“We’re blessed with any supportive community partners working to break down barriers so all kids can enjoy the benefits of recreational activities,” she says. “The power of play cannot be denied — nor can the power of partnerships to help make it happen.”
For more information about Five Counties Children’s Centre’s Therapeutic Recreation program, visit www.fivecounties.on.ca/therapeutic-recreation/.
