Our recreational programs offer opportunities for physical activity, socialization, and skill development in a fun and supportive environment. These programs are designed to promote inclusion, enhance physical fitness, and boost self-confidence while helping individuals with Down syndrome improve their motor skills, teamwork, and independence. These recreational programs not only promote physical health but also foster inclusion and community involvement. They offer individuals with Down syndrome the chance to build social relationships, explore new activities, and gain a sense of accomplishment, while enhancing their overall well-being.
Our programs rotate on a quarterly basis (Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall). Below are examples of recreational programs we offer throughout the year.
Cheerleading: Our cheerleading program provides a dynamic experience to empower individuals with Down syndrome to SHINE! Through tailored routines and a supportive environment, participants gain confidence, build meaningful relationships, and develop important life skills. For many, cheerleading becomes more than just an activity—it’s a source of joy, empowerment, and a celebration of their abilities! This program continues to grow each year – we have over 50 cheerleaders in our Ohio & KY squads! You can learn more at www.dsagc.com/cheer.
Functional Fitness: This program is designed to promote physical health, enhance mobility, and improve overall well-being. Our exercises will be led by a licensed physical therapist and will focus on safe, functional movements that we use in our everyday life! This class is open to individuals off all athletic abilities - beginners to pros!
Golf: Golf is tailored for individuals with Down syndrome to develop hand-eye coordination, focus, and patience. Golf can be a relaxing yet challenging sport that helps participants refine their physical skills, learn about sportsmanship, and gain independence. Adaptive golf programs allow individuals to enjoy the game at their own pace, with personalized instruction to suit their abilities.
Gymnastics: Tumble Bees Gymnastics is a gross motor development program with an emphasis of gymnastics. The Tumble Bee curriculum is designed so each activity plays a role in developing coordination, strength, spatial awareness, body control, and so much more. The activities are presented in a creative approach developed specifically to individualize the pace at which each child learns. In this 6-week series, your child will be introduced to skills of gross motor development, strength and coordination, and early gymnastics fundamentals. This class provides multiple opportunities to roll, jump, crawl, climb, and so much more.
Horseback Riding: Adaptive Recreational Riding is taught in group lessons. Each class of two to four riders is led by instructors certified by PATH, Intl. Each rider is paired with a volunteer horse leader and up to two volunteer side walkers. Riders will work to improve flexibility, strength, posture, and the ability to change their weight distribution on the horse as needed.
Leisure Exploration: Leisure Exploration provides young adults with the opportunity to explore new activities to do in the community. At the first session, we discuss what “leisure” is and participants will have the opportunity to choose their schedule of leisure activities for the remainder of the program. Over the following weeks, participants get to try these new activities and are provided with resources on how to continue their new leisure activities and hobbies at home or out in the community.
Martial Arts: Martial Arts adapts techniques to be safe and accessible, with a focus on building strength, balance, coordination, and flexibility. MMA can improve cardiovascular health, enhance muscle tone, and increase overall physical endurance. Additionally, it encourages mental focus, discipline, and self-confidence, as participants learn self-defense techniques and strategies in a controlled setting. Group training fosters a sense of community and camaraderie, providing social benefits and opportunities for positive peer interactions.
Movement and Dance: Movement and Dance partners with local dance studios to learn choreographed routines for a community performance. This program provides a unique and inclusive experience for all.
Self-Defense: Self-Defense provides a toolbox of immediate mental, verbal, and physical responses to risky situations - from boundary violations and harassment to physical assault. We will practice all 5 safety principles of Empowerment Self-Defense—Think, Yell, Run, Fight, Tell—through discussion, activities, and hands-on, gross-motor technique practice. Key lessons will include communicating and respecting personal boundaries, understanding consent, knowing when to leave an unsafe situation, and getting support when you need help.
Soccer Shots: This engaging soccer program focuses on learning the basics of soccer while promoting positive character development. Coaches will work with athletes on motor skills, strength, and endurance through modified drills and exercise.
Theatre: This multi-week program will have elements of both individual and collaborative exploration that focuses on storytelling around themes and ideas important to you. This will include movement, vocalization, improvisation, and more!
The Buddy Walk is the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati’s largest fundraising and awareness event of the year, attracting over 13,000 participants and raising half of our annual revenue. Over 380 teams, from across the 12 counties we serve, come together to celebrate our loved ones with Down syndrome. Learn more
