{"id":141891,"date":"2025-03-31T15:01:05","date_gmt":"2025-03-31T19:01:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/?p=141891"},"modified":"2025-03-31T16:32:20","modified_gmt":"2025-03-31T20:32:20","slug":"gigifit-acceptance-challenge-2025-a-movement-for-acceptance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/uncategorized\/gigifit-acceptance-challenge-2025-a-movement-for-acceptance","title":{"rendered":"GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge 2025: A MOVEment for Acceptance!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This past Saturday, our community came together in an incredible show of support for the <a href=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/gigifit-acceptance-challenge-and-5k\">GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge<\/a>\u2014a physical and social MOVEment for acceptance! With a goal of uniting 1 million global supporters for the Down syndrome community, we declared loud and clear: &#8220;We can and will accept you as you are!&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We are thrilled to share that over 330 participants registered for the event, and we surpassed our fundraising goal of $60,000, raising over $65,000! Teams can still continue fundraising and sharing photos from the event, further extending the impact of this amazing initiative.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/03\/GiGiFit-17.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"401\" src=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/03\/GiGiFit-17.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-141892\" style=\"width:549px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/03\/GiGiFit-17.jpg 600w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/03\/GiGiFit-17-300x201.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Thank You to Our Incredible Sponsors!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A huge thank you to our sponsors who made this event possible:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.charitytitlegroup.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Beazer Charity Foundation<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 Not only a sponsor but also active participants and volunteers! They also won a few age group awards in the 5K including Kristi, shown here, who volunteered, ran, won her age group, then went back to volunteering! \ud83c\udf1f<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/03\/GiGiFit-96.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"401\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/03\/GiGiFit-96.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-141894\" style=\"width:173px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/03\/GiGiFit-96.jpg 401w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/03\/GiGiFit-96-201x300.jpg 201w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 401px) 100vw, 401px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/comprehensive1.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Comprehensive Marketing Incorporated<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.accurateusa.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Accurate Personnel Services<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sunbeltrentals.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sunbelt Rentals<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.steeldynamics.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SDI Steel Dynamics<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportsmatter.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Dicks Sporting Goods Foundation<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We also extend our gratitude to <a href=\"https:\/\/cocacolaunited.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Coca-Cola Bottling United<\/strong> <\/a>and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.monsterenergy.com\/en-us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Monster Energy<\/a><\/strong> for keeping us hydrated, and to <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hpccue.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">HPC Cue<\/a><\/strong> DJs for keeping the energy high with great music!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Special Highlights from the Event<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It was an honor to have the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.atlantatrackclub.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Atlanta Track Club<\/a><\/strong> join us to promote their <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/wingfoot.atlantatrackclub.org\/blog\/chris-nikic-to-join-running-city-usa-at-atlanta-marathon-weekend\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Runner 321 Initiative<\/a><\/strong>. Their ambassador runners paired up with our participants with Down syndrome, creating heartwarming moments of teamwork and camaraderie.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/03\/GiGiFit-89.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"401\" src=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/03\/GiGiFit-89.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-141893\" style=\"width:426px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/03\/GiGiFit-89.jpg 600w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/03\/GiGiFit-89-300x201.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Aiden runs with 2 ATC Ambassador runners<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our pre-race warm up was brought to us by Elisha McKenzie of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/leeshielifestyle\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Leeshie Lifesyle <\/a>with a fun and high energy Zumba workout!  Elisha teaches Zumba to our kids &amp; teens one Saturday a month at the Playhouse! She is an adult with Down syndrome who has found her calling with Zumba and loves sharing her passion with her community!<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/03\/GiGiFit-9.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"401\" src=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/03\/GiGiFit-9.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-141895\" style=\"width:462px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/03\/GiGiFit-9.jpg 600w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/03\/GiGiFit-9-300x201.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Elisha leads the community in a quick Zumba workout!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A big shout-out to <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/rise-coffeetea.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">RISE Coffee &amp; Tea<\/a><\/strong>, who joined us as a vendor. Be sure to check out their website for special programs and social events for adults with special needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We also want to express our appreciation to <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mikegutting.com\/GiGiFit-2025\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mike Gutting<\/a><\/strong> for capturing so many incredible moments with his photography, and to <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.s2fevents.com\/atlanta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Start2Finish<\/a><\/strong> for their expert timing services and dedication to making our course accessible and fun! <a href=\"https:\/\/results.raceroster.com\/v2\/en-US\/results\/vup25hzv6pj67ucb\/results?fbclid=IwY2xjawJXxUhleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHWt0h0JLnfH71SO4JLD7hNIJPlw_ctJc_3my8c2Zn9hWn-ipE3qzeYcgqA_aem_PCDCGylPP78edBLHZn2OLA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Click here to see all 5K results!<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Adding to the excitement, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/gatech.campuslabs.com\/engage\/organization\/downtodance\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GA Tech Down to Dance<\/a><\/strong> led an energizing choreography session while our 5K runners were on the course\u2014proving that movement is for everyone! Down to Dance holds dance classes each Monday at 5:30pm for our teens! <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/03\/GiGiFit-43.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"401\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/03\/GiGiFit-43.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-141896\" style=\"width:214px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/03\/GiGiFit-43.jpg 401w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/03\/GiGiFit-43-201x300.jpg 201w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 401px) 100vw, 401px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Andy loved our GT Down to Dancers!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Celebrating Our Participants<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Highest Fundraising Team:<\/strong> Congratulations to <strong>Theo Neff!<\/strong> (While technically, Beazer Homes Team raised the most, they are a sponsor, so we\u2019re awarding the <strong>Neffs<\/strong> 2 Gala tickets!)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/03\/GiGiFit-70.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"401\" src=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/03\/GiGiFit-70.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-141897\" style=\"width:253px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/03\/GiGiFit-70.jpg 600w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/03\/GiGiFit-70-300x201.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Largest Team:<\/strong> <strong>Team AJ<\/strong>, with over 20 participants! They earned a shade tent, a cooler of drinks, and the honor of kicking off the 5K race.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/03\/GiGiFit-13.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"401\" src=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/03\/GiGiFit-13.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-141898\" style=\"width:340px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/03\/GiGiFit-13.jpg 600w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/03\/GiGiFit-13-300x201.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Second Largest Team:<\/strong> <strong>Team Tut<\/strong>, who proudly started off the 1-Mile race.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/03\/GiGiFit-119.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"413\" height=\"276\" src=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/03\/GiGiFit-119-edited.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-141900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/03\/GiGiFit-119-edited.jpg 413w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/03\/GiGiFit-119-edited-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 413px) 100vw, 413px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Top Individual Fundraiser:<\/strong> Special recognition to <strong>Lauren Zwieg<\/strong>, who raised over <strong>$8,000<\/strong> on her personal race page! She is currently the top fundraiser of ALL GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenges nationally!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thank you to <strong>Summer Schmidt and her family<\/strong> for providing fantastic face painting, and a massive round of applause for <strong>all our volunteers<\/strong> who dedicated their Saturday morning to making this event a success! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Looking Forward to Next Year!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We are beyond proud of our community for coming together to celebrate and advocate for acceptance. The energy, passion, and support displayed this weekend were truly inspiring, and we can&#8217;t wait to do it all again next year!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stay connected, keep sharing your stories, and let\u2019s continue moving for acceptance!<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/03\/GiGiFit-161.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"489\" src=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/03\/GiGiFit-161.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-141901\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/03\/GiGiFit-161.jpg 600w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/files\/2025\/03\/GiGiFit-161-300x245.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This past Saturday, our community came together in an incredible show of support for the GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge\u2014a physical and social MOVEment for acceptance! With a goal of uniting 1 million global supporters for the Down syndrome community, we declared loud and clear: &#8220;We can and will accept you as you are!&#8221; We are thrilled&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1619,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-141891","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/141891","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1619"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=141891"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/141891\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=141891"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=141891"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/atlanta\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=141891"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}