Adaptive Gymnastics at the Excalibur Cup

Recognizing that children with disabilities can benefit greatly from skills taught in gymnastics, a few dedicated community members from Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) and Old Dominion University created EVMS Adaptive Gymnastics to serve the Hampton Roads area.

Adaptive Gymnastics aims to provide an opportunity for children with disabilities to work on gross motor development, balance, coordination, and gymnastics skills in a fun, safe environment. Hardworking volunteers donate their time and expertise to keep the program running so that ANY child can participate - regardless of ability level or the level of support they require.

Our program has been a success! We’ve grown from just one athlete in November of 2019 to over 35 athletes participating in three classes throughout the week.

The program has made a difference for our young athletes. Skill sets learned in class translate to their life outside of gymnastics as they gain confidence navigating uncertain environments and conquering skills they were once afraid of.

Two years ago, six-year old Skylar, who has down syndrome, was anxious walking across the gym by herself and struggled to jump with two feet together. Last week she conquered her seat drop on the trampoline and is working on walking on the high balance beam!

James, a ten-year old with autism, was struggling with bullies at school, but found a place where he can make friends who he looks forward to seeing every single week. He counts down the days until gymnastics class.

Oliver and Griffin, five-year old twins with autism were struggling to find a sports program that would accept both of them. Previous attempts at social sports with other athletes their age left their family frustrated and looking for new options. Two years later they have mastered cartwheels, handstands, and front flips and are the leaders of our class.

This summer, recognizing the financial burdens of many families with medically complex children, we began offering classes free of tuition. Our next goal is to host an annual competition for athletes with disabilities at The Excalibur Cup, one of the largest gymnastics competitions in the country. The competition takes place every February at The Virginia Beach Convention Center. We plan on creating the single largest competitive opportunity for gymnasts with disabilities in the United States and we need your help!

Our goal is to be able to cover the athlete registration fees, USA Gymnastics coaching membership fees, and an award ceremony for every athlete who signs up! The majority of our athletes require individual support from our dedicated volunteers in order to successfully complete class. Your generous contribution allows us to continue accepting every single child who signs up for our program!

Thank you,

Kaitlin Hardy