Unigym-it's a special so called exercise rehab program for kids from about 5-12 years old. So most of the children we get usually have motor control problems and disabilities which causes them to not be able to perform their 'normal age' activites. We have what we prefer to call - special children, who are diagnosed with autism, cerebral palsy, hemiplegia, ADHD or other medical conditions.
Sometimes you really don't understand how fortunate the rest of us are until you meet kids like these. I've worked for the program since the beginning of the year and it's been such an eye opener for me. I know there are kids all over the world who have such problems, but I guess it's totally different when you see and teach them. Since I was a kid, I've been pretty active and I have my wonderful parents to thank for exposing me to the world of sports and always encouraging and suppoting me . However, most of the kids we have experience alot of difficulties even doing the basic balancing, hopping, catching or even running....ya, u must be thinking, what's so difficult about hopping running right? Well, it's really tough for these kids even though they are already like 8 or 10 years old.
So yea, for most of the program, we try to work one on one with the kids and help them in such areas so that they can feel more 'normal' and are more likely to fit in with their peers. I think this job has taught me alot - to be more appreciative of what I have in life, to be more patient and to count my blessings! I simply love the kids there....of coz u have your few 'little monsters' but generally they're such darlings! Some are such triers...total champs i tell u....they never seem give up and let their disabilities hold them back!
One amazing thing I personally find are the lengths at which their parents go just for them. OK, I know...as parents they love their kids to bits. But just remember, these are special kids we're talking about. The fact that their parents even place them in the program in the first place is already a step they have taken to benefit their child. It's just great to see the parents sitting by the side as we teach....having their support and the way they express their love and parental touch to their kids.....it really melts your heart! (ok i know i'm getting a tad sappy here...but it's true!)
Well, this term i take another 2 kids...one's a 6yr old boy and the other's a 7yr old girl. The little boy's so timid....but he's really cute...love his curly hair man! As for the gal, she has cerebral palsy, so she has this leg brace that she has to wear...but she has such great determination to do everything! As much as the job is really draining, it's such a joy at the same time, even if it means waking up early on a sat morning when most people are sleeping in!