EXTRAORDINARY ATHLETES

Every March, communities across the country recognize Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, a time to celebrate inclusion, build understanding, and highlight the incredible contributions of individuals with developmental disabilities and the families who support them. At Momentum Athletic Center, this month holds a special place in our hearts. Not only do we have the privilege of working with some of the most determined, joyful, and inspiring young athletes in Parker, Colorado, but we are also honored to partner with Developmental Pathways (DP)—an organization that has helped thousands of families access resources, services, and support throughout our region. This year, we’re especially excited to host FestAbilities, Developmental Pathways’ annual community celebration, at our Cheer & Ninja Gym later this month. It’s an event dedicated to connection, inclusion, and raising awareness—and it perfectly reflects the spirit of what we try to build every day inside our gym. Because at Momentum, inclusion isn’t a program we run once a year. It’s something we live every single day. The Extraordinary Athletes Program: A Year of Growth Over the past year, more than 100 children have participated in our Extraordinary Athletes program, a gymnastics-based movement program designed for young athletes with developmental delays, autism, medical complexities, and other unique support needs. Watching these athletes grow has been nothing short of inspiring. Some children arrive hesitant to step onto the floor. Others come in with endless energy and curiosity. But week by week, something remarkable happens. Confidence grows. Friendships form. Milestones—big and small—are celebrated. For many families, Extraordinary Athletes becomes more than a class. It becomes a community. And perhaps one of the greatest indicators of how meaningful this program has become is something we hear from our own team again and again: Our Extraordinary Athletes classes are our coaches’ favorite classes to teach. In an industry where turnover can be common, we are incredibly proud to say that we have had zero coach turnover within the program. Our coaches return week after week because they believe deeply in the athletes they work with and the progress they see unfolding in front of them. The joy these athletes bring into the gym is contagious. The Power of Patience and Encouragement Every athlete’s journey looks a little different. For some children, the first class might involve sitting quietly on the side while they take in the environment. For others, it might mean exploring every corner of the gym with curiosity and excitement. Our coaches are trained to meet every child exactly where they are—providing structure, encouragement, and support while allowing each athlete to progress at their own pace. Over time, those small steps turn into meaningful change. Parents often tell us they begin to see growth not only in the gym, but at home and in school as well—improved confidence, stronger coordination, and increased comfort interacting with others. And for many families, simply having a place where their child can participate, move freely, and feel welcomed makes all the difference. What Families Are Saying Nothing speaks more powerfully about this program than the families who experience it every week. Molly Glasser shared this about her daughter’s experience: "My daughter attends the Extraordinary Athletes Program and we have had an excellent experience. It took her a little bit to get adjusted, but the coaches were patient and helped her get comfortable participating in a class without a parent next to her. Now she participates in all aspects of the class. I can tell she is getting stronger and learning new skills! We are so glad this program exists!" Another parent, Jaclyn Noe, shared how meaningful the experience has been for her son: "My son absolutely loves going to his class. Your staff is incredible and everyone is so nice. My son loves Coach Phillip! We have only been 2 times and each time has been so great for him. It is such a relief and makes me so happy that for at least 50 minutes of his day he can just have fun and be himself, full of energy, without having his mom tell him no or be careful. He is in a safe place." These stories are the reason we continue to grow and expand this program.

At Momentum Athletic Center, we believe every child deserves the freedom to move, explore, and connect in a space that celebrates who they are — from their very first steps (or scoots!) to their first friendships. That’s the heart behind Extraordinary Stay & Play, our newest open gym program for children 4 and under and their caregivers. Designed with inclusivity at the core, Stay & Play welcomes every child — whether they’re neurodiverse, navigating developmental delays, or simply in need of a safe place to burn energy and build confidence. What Is Extraordinary Stay & Play? Stay & Play offers a fun, purposeful environment where your little ones can: Move freely on age-appropriate gymnastics equipment Engage in sensory play and active exploration Socialize and learn through play with their peers Build motor skills, emotional regulation, and confidence Spend quality time with caregivers — with support, not judgment Parents, grandparents, and caregivers stay during the session and can use the time to connect with others who understand what it’s like to be in this stage of life — especially for those navigating neurodiversity, developmental delays, or high-energy personalities. 📅 When: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday from 12–3 PM 💵 Cost: $50/month per child for unlimited visits 👶 Who: All children 4 and under and their caregivers — all abilities welcome This isn’t just indoor play. It’s a chance to get out of the house, release some energy, and enjoy a community that gets it. Why It Matters For many families — especially those caring for children with medical complexities or unique support needs — finding safe, supportive, and judgment-free spaces can be hard. Extraordinary Stay & Play changes that. We’ve created a warm, welcoming environment where children can move at their own pace, caregivers can breathe, and connection can grow — both on the mats and in the moments between. It’s not a therapy session or a baby program. It’s real, joyful play that supports healthy development and builds emotional and social confidence in a way that home routines simply can’t. And sometimes, the most powerful growth is in the little things — like a high-five from a new friend or a smile from a fellow parent who just gets it. Meet Hunter: From Escape Artist to Preschool-Ready When Hunter first joined our Extraordinary Athletes program, he had one goal: find the lights and turn them on. Fast. Known lovingly as our “escape artist,” Hunter had big energy — and a big heart. For his mom, Jacklyn it was the first place he could be completely himself. “This is the only day I don’t have to tell him ‘no.’ We would come here every day if we could.” With time, guidance, and lots of movement, Hunter started making friends, sharing equipment, and gaining the confidence to try new things. He’s now in preschool, thriving socially and emotionally — and he happily attends our Extraordinary Athletes class each week. Hunter is a reminder that with the right environment, every child can thrive. A Parent’s Perspective: Don’t Miss the Joy We often see something magical happen in these classes — not just with the kids, but with the parents. One recent moment says it all: a young athlete who had only been with us a few sessions noticed his parents mid-conversation with other adults and, without hesitation, turned around and headed in for another Extraordinary Athletes session on his own. No prompt. No nudge. Just joy. That confidence — that feeling of this is my place — is exactly what we hope to build. Parents often tell us: ✔️ “I didn’t know this kind of place existed.” ✔️ “This is the only place my child is truly free.” ✔️ “Here, I get to connect with other parents who understand.” In a world where so many families feel isolated or judged, Stay & Play is a space of encouragement and belonging — for the kids, and just as much for the grownups raising them. Inclusion Means Everyone Extraordinary Stay & Play isn’t just for one type of child or one kind of family. It’s for: The child who needs to move The parent craving community The toddler working through motor or social development The caregiver who just wants a place to be with no pressure The kid who’s high-energy, quiet, cautious, curious, or everything all at once This program is here to support the whole family, in whatever stage you’re in — with no labels, no expectations, and all the joy. Come Move With Us Looking for a place where your child can explore safely, socialize freely, and feel like they belong? Extraordinary Stay & Play might be just what you’ve been searching for. Come visit. Bring your little one. Chat with another parent. Stay and play — as often as you like. ✨ Because early childhood should be full of movement, connection, and joy — for every child, and every caregiver. And we’d love to welcome you to our community