Meet sweet and sassy Sadie. Sadie is a nine year old, second
grader at Rochester Elementary school that has Down syndrome. Her disability
doesn't hold her back from doing ANYTHING! This girl is absolutely
amazing!
Sadie and her family have been members of the YMCA for about
five years. When her parents joined the YMCA, they enrolled Sadie in swim
classes. Her parents felt it was imperative for her to learn how to swim. Sadie
didn't just learn how to swim, she has mastered this sport. Her mother recalls
her being invited to a school friend's swim party last year. Sadie was one of
the only children at the party that could swim on her own. Sadie looks forward
to her once a week swim lesson. She is a strong, confident swimmer thanks in
part to the Special Needs Adaptive Program, (SNAP) at the YMCA.
In addition to swimming, Sadie also participates in the
YMCA' s Bowling Program, Saturday Strikers. This program is geared towards
individuals with physical or mental disabilities and is financially
underwritten from funds raised for the YMCA's Strong Kids Campaign. She enjoys
her time at the bowling alley and it is yet another sports she can play.
Sadie is also active in a wide range of Special Olympics
competitions. She has participated in the soccer and basketball programs as
well as softball, track and gymnastics. She loves dancing and takes tap, ballet
and hip hop in addition to being a participant in the Special Needs
Cheerleading Program.
Additionally, Sadie has competed in the "Miss You Can
Do It" pageant and "Miss Amazing" pageant. These are both
pageants that are specifically designed for girls with disabilities to help
build confidence and self-esteem. She is
also involved in the United Cerebral Palsy's Horseback Riding program. There
really isn't anything this kid has not done.
Staying active and busy has helped Sadie stay physically fit
as well as increase her socialness and mental capabilities. All of these things
help boost her self-esteem and determination. Her mom says she likes to keep
Sadie busy! Yes, Sadie is busy, but I
don't think Sadie would want it any other way!
Learn more about the Springfield Y's special needs programming.
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