As usual, I had Special Olympics track practice last night. State is still a few weeks away, so the kids were enjoying a variety of random activities: long jump, 100 yard dash, 200 yard dash, and of course, the playground next door!
The playground is typical of any school yard contraption, but this one is unique because it has a child-sized climbing wall. We decided that the climbing wall would be great strength training for the kiddos, not to mention the fact that it had been months since they last attempted the feat.
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Of course, only two or three of the kiddos enjoy the climbing wall and for the rest, it is far too scary. However, after most of the group had attempted the wall and began walking away, one of my Down Syndrome kiddos walked up and started touching all of the hand and foot holds. I waited with her and answered her questions: “What is this for?” “How do you climb up?” What happens if you fall?”
She continued to stare at the wall as the rest of the group continued to walk away, and I realized that she was considering climbing it. For her, this is a HUGE deal. Down syndrome kiddos have enlarged limbs and often excess weight, so this type of activity is really tough for them. I asked her if she was thinking of trying the wall, and she looked at me, smiled, and nodded!
I said, “Alright, girlfriend, let’s get you up there!” She put her hands on two of the holds, her left foot on one of the holds, and looked at me for assistance on the final foot. I pointed to a good position for it, assured her she wouldn’t fall, and put my hand on her lower back to make sure accidents didn’t happen. She started to breathe hard, but I swear, she had the most determined expression on her face!
She finally pulled herself up to the point where both hands and feet were on the wall, and I have literally never seen a smile so big! Of course, she was not going to climb the entire wall, but getting her entire body weight on the wall and off the ground was a tremendous feat for her! She held on for a few seconds before I helped her down. Once she was firmly on the ground, she started cheering and yelling for ANYONE, explaining to the world what she had done. She was so excited! She gave me a hug, laughing the entire time, and then pulled back to give me a “fist bump,” which I totally loved. Then, she ran over to her parents, who had been watching, to share her news.
It may not seem like that big of a deal, but y’all: this seriously was the best thing I’ve seen in quite awhile. I love seeing these kiddos accomplish tasks that they though previously impossible, and it’s even better if I’m there to help them along the way. I came home smiling last night, and I don’t think I’ve stopped since!