Looking for a great family activity this month? GiGi’s Playhouses nationwide will be hosting GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenges from World Down Syndrome Day (March 21) through June 12, 2022.
Every playhouse from the GiGi’s Network will be hosting their very own Acceptance Challenge event, consisting of a 5K run, 1 mile walk for acceptance, and children’s dash for Down syndrome. Roshambo Eyewear will be providing $100 gift cards for winners at a few of the locations, and with over 50 locations nationwide you can find a GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge near you too!
https://gigisplayhouse.org/gigifitchallenge/playhouse-events/
"We are going to Step to Accept because we believe in GiGi's Playhouse and its mission of global acceptance for all. People who are different don’t get to shed that “differentness” at the end of the day. They struggle constantly for acceptance. GiGi’s has a vision of a world—not that far away—that is accepting of everyone. All our differences, all our “otherness,” and all our unique abilities will be accepted and encouraged. That’s what we’re really working toward," said Jessi Korpi, Team Captain, "Adventures with Adilene" of GiGi's Playhouse Canton.
GiGiFIT Programs
GiGiFIT programs combine physical therapy with a strong fitness focus and an ultimate goal of success and improved movement. GiGiFIT was created in collaboration with skilled Physical Therapists who work specifically with individuals with Down syndrome. The GiGiFIT programs are designed to address common issues for individuals with Down syndrome including hypotonia, excessive joint laxity, and decreased balance.
Every GiGiFIT program is safe, effective, and progressive. GiGiFIT helps participants build strength, endurance, power, joint stability, balance, and movement control. GiGiFIT empowers participants to be more independent and confident in their abilities while improving their overall health and wellness.
GiGiFIT’s program curriculum may be geared towards individuals with Down syndrome, but its mission goes beyond that. GiGIFIT is meant to instill pride and confidence into all people through fitness and healthy lifestyle choices.
About GiGi's Playhouse Programs
Programs at GiGi’s Playhouse offer foundational learning opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community.
GiGi’s Playhouse programs are a place for parents/caregivers to share ideas and network with one another. We invite caregivers to communicate their needs, questions and concerns with one another, and promote connections to be made in support of each other. GiGi’s programs embrace the family and help aid the development of a healthy, successful relationship between parents, individuals with Down syndrome and siblings.
“All of our programs are 100% free to families because we never want cost to be a barrier,” says GiGi's Playhouse Canton Site Manager, Megan Vance.
GiGi’s Playhouse programs support families in developing high expectations for their son or daughter with Down syndrome. Many families are blindsided by a diagnosis of Down syndrome in pregnancy or at birth. GiGi’s programs aim to help parents overcome the diagnosis and maintain high expectations for their child to achieve success in social, educational and employment opportunities in the future. Our staff and volunteers support parents in maintaining high expectations, even through challenging periods of time. By encouraging their child to follow routines and participate fully, parents take a big step in recognizing their child’s potential.
