Friday, May 28, 2004

Stand up and cheer

Special needs group working hard at gym

The Infinity Elite gym in Peachtree City is certainly giving the community something to stand up and cheer about, for this is not your ordinary cheerleading gym.

Yes, some parts are ordinary, they have five All-Star competition squads, a competition dance squad, tumbling classes, and even a show stoppers squad so the little ones can perform, but much of this can be found at any gym. So you ask, “What’s so unique?”

Well, in addition to its highly competitive squads, it is debuting a very extraordinary special needs squad for those boys and girls not able to participate in traditional sports activities (yes, cheerleading is now a sport). The first kickoff practice was held May 4, and the children had a blast using all that bottled up energy in their little bodies.

The special needs program, the only one of its kind in the local area, is designed for those children with slight mental and physical disabilities. Children ages 4-17 are taught basic tumbling, stunting, and cheer movements. The coach, Dawn Fox, has been a special needs teacher and cheerleading coach in the public school system for many years.

“These kids are no different than any other kid,” she said. “They have the same needs and desire to be active and part of a team.”

The program is structured enough to allow kids to learn and perform a non-competitive routine, but is also filled with plenty of time for fun.

“This atmosphere really promotes healthy self esteem, allows social skills to blossom, and improves the over all physical abilities of the children” said Fox. “It’s amazing to see how much they want to learn, and how dedicated they become to this part of their life. Participating on a team where everyone is accepted for just who they are really unites these kids and makes them feel like they’re apart of something bigger than themselves.”

What has been astounding to gym owner Vivian Autry is the desire for the All-Star cheerleaders to participate and work with the special needs squad.

“Our All-Stars have been blessed with athletic excellence. It is truly a privilege for them to be a part of this unique opportunity,” said Autry. “No doubt this experience will remain with them throughout their lives, and hopefully impact how they will get involved with their own communities as they mature into adults.”

Infinity Elite is holding a sign up May 15 for the special needs squad, as well as tryouts for all of their cheer and dance squads, from 1-3 p.m. at 6 Falcon Dr. in Peachtree City. For directions or more information go to www.infinityelite.com or call between the hours of 4-9 p.m. at 770-487-9999.