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More disabled kids join Y fun
By RYAN MEEHAN, Times Staff Writer NORTHDALE -- Maretta Day was satisfied with her life. With two healthy children, she felt blessed. More than four years ago she decided it was time to give something back. Day is a certified lifeguard who volunteers at the Bob Sierra YMCA at a program designed for severely mentally handicapped children. About five years ago Gaither High School approached the YMCA with the idea. Soon after, they were walking students to the nearby center, where they could use the facility's pool and gymnasium. Walking got old as the weather grew hot. The program was going to be canned, but the YMCA was able to secure private funding to bus the children from their homes. Now, 41/2 years later, Buchanan Middle School is preparing to participate in the program as well. Currently, about 15 students meet every Wednesday for about an hour. They work with aquatics instructors in the pool, play basketball and perform gymnastics. "It lets them get out of their chairs so they can stretch a little," said Laura Smith, spokeswoman for the YMCA. Smith said the association decided a couple of years ago to provide an equal level of entertainment for those with physical disabilities. Day said the best part of the program is having the kids in the pool. Many are in wheelchairs. Once in the pool, the children are freer to move around. The joy they derive from the simple act of swimming is evident on their faces. "For me, so many moments have touched my soul because of this program," Day said. "These kids have enriched my life."
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From the Times |
