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A Happy Balance

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By JAMIE PILARCZYK, The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 16, 2008

Updated: 02/14/2008 07:33 pm

FAIR OAKS/MANHATTAN MANOR - The room was full of giggles and squirming children.

It was a Wednesday night at the Interbay-Glover Family YMCA and instructor Maria Alou asked the seated students to give her a thumbs-up; for some it took concentration and a furrowed brow.

She then had them stretch their legs and reach from one to the other. Balance was a challenge for the youngsters, especially when asked to curl up in a ball and roll back, trying to keep in position.

Hard work? Yes. But parents say the adaptive gymnastics class for mentally or physically challenged youngsters is a bright spot in their children's lives.

"Davis asks us to come," said Kurt Harkey of Sunset Park. "It's his treat."

Davis Harkey, 6, has Down syndrome. Since joining the class three years ago, his gross motor skills have improved.

"Davis wouldn't get any of this anywhere else," his father said. "The things he'd be delayed in, he has caught on quickly and improved dramatically."

His wife agrees.

"One session of this outweighs 10 of physical therapy," Kim Harkey said. "With the variety of activities, they are able to hit on a number of muscle groups. Also, with special-needs children, they are highly motivated when they see other kids."

The adaptive program has been around for about 10 years at Interbay-Glover, 4411 S. Himes Ave., coordinator Eddie Wortman said. In March, the Physically Challenged on the Move program will be offered for ages 10 and older.

"A lot of the kids here need a special environment," Wortman said. "It allows us to focus on what that person's needs are. It's not so competitive. We have fun with it."
Wortman says he serves about 33 children, including students from Ballast Point, Roosevelt and Chiaramonte elementary schools and Sydney's School for Autism.

"Their self-esteem, strength and coordination are built stronger," Wortman said. "Their learning in the classroom is better."
Class leader Alou's 6-year-old son, Jaylan, has Asperger syndrome and exhibits autisticlike behavior. Alou, of Port Tampa, has been bringing Jaylan to the gymnastics class for three years, first as a parent and now as an instructor.

"I like to see how they enjoy it, how they are getting better and how they love to come," she said. "My son is happy to be here. I love it."

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Adaptive gymnastics for physically or mentally challenged children

WHEN: 6:15 p.m. Wednesdays and 8:45 a.m. Saturdays; classes are 45 minutes

WHERE: Interbay-Glover Family YMCA, 4411 S. Himes Ave.

COST: Free to YMCA members; $30 a month, plus a $60 annual fee for nonmembers. Scholarships are available.

CONTACT: Eddie Wortman at (813) 839-0210

MORE: Classes also are available in soccer, swimming, basketball, T-ball, and track and field.

Reporter Jamie Pilarczyk can be reached at (813) 835-2114 or jpilarczyk@tampatrib.com.

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