Foundations
A dynamic adaptive movement program for athletes with disabilities and/or those who require additional supports
Our Foundations program is geared toward athletes with special needs or those who would benefit from having additional supports during their gymnastics class. Our focus is on the development and enhancement of gross motor skills, physical literacy, social skills, and confidence. We strive to offer a program which is safe, supportive, encouraging, and allows each athlete to progress at their own pace. Our classes typically run when our facility is quieter and more space to move around. We tend to have a 2 coach to 4-5 athlete ratio with allows more one on one time with each athlete.
The benefits offered by the Foundations program can include:
- Physical Improvements: Children suffering from physical impairments often have problems with motor skills in areas such as hopping, skipping and jumping. Involvement in gymnastics can help individuals develop and increase fundamental motor and physical fitness skills.
- Self-Esteem: Developing a sense of self-esteem and confidence is an important part of childhood. Children need to be involved in environments where they feel that they are contributing successfully to a group. As a result of increased confidence and positive self-image, the child's abilities in other skill areas will also improve.
- Cognitive Benefits: The hands-on aspect of gymnastics leads to cognitive skill improvement in children with special needs and allows them to discover and access strengths that cannot be challenged in a classroom or clinical setting. Gymnastics can be used as a tool for introducing and practicing self regulation and decision making, as well as allowing children the opportunity to verbally communicate and interact with peers through involvement in gymnastics.
The Foundations program offers classes to accommodate a wide variety of Special Needs including:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- ADD/ADHD
- Cerebral Palsy
- Developmental Disabilities
- Down Syndrome
- Epilepsy
- Sensory Integration Disorders
- Spinal Bifida
- Mitochondrial Disorders
- Speech Disorder
- and many others
Class Information
Contact
To get in touch with us about getting your child enrolled in our Foundation program, contact our Foundation Coordinator!
Foundations Coordinator: foundations@langleygymnastics.ca
Children who are part of our Foundations program are welcome to join in any of our other programs such as camps, however they must be accompanied by a parent or aid.