Cristina's Story

Cristina, a 23-year-old Special Olympian and part-time nursery staff at the South City Family YMCA, has participated in YMCA Integrated Fitness for several years. Through the Integrated Fitness program, young adults with disabilities develop personalized fitness plans based on their needs and abilities. They also get the chance to interact with others in their communities through the YMCA, and build on their independence.

Integrated Fitness is a program of the YMCA’s Inclusion Services Department, which ensures that people of all abilities can participate in all YMCA programs, activities and classes with reasonable accommodations. The Partner Campaign helps fund the membership fees for the participants.

Cristina trains with her coach, Scott, three mornings each week. “Cristina’s a very determined athlete,” says Scott. “She excels in the Special Olympics events of power-lifting, basketball, volleyball and bowling.” In addition to all the great new friends Cristina’s made through her participation in Integrated Fitness, she also boasts a bedroom full of medals won at state competitions!