Best of All Moment

Jenny, a program leader for many of our programs at GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago, completed a Best of All sheet for Ahamad after he impressed everyone with his Karate skills back in August. She wrote, “Sometimes Ahamad can be a little shy and quiet; but, when he took the stage to show off his new karate skills you could see him beam with confidence.” Everyone in the playhouse could hear him shout “I am strong! I am brave! I am powerful! Kee-ya!” That is an inspirational mantra to shout in front of a crowd. Check out the youtube video of Ahmad and his friends performing on stage.

Teens Use These Skills Outside of the Playhouse

Sam Boyer from Thousand Waves Karate was able to come back to our teen program for 2 weeks back in August. Every week we offer some kind of fitness based program for the teens. Sam and his teaching of karate offer something a little bit more. We’ve all seen someone in a movie or maybe live in person, break boards using a part of their body. In order to do something like that you have to know the correct techniques but you really also have to believe in yourself. You have to believe that you are strong and powerful. When Ahmad got up on stage and said “I am strong! I am brave! I am powerful!” everyone believed him, and more importantly he believed himself. It’s often said that individuals with Down syndrome “Wear their diagnosis on their face” but when they believe that they are strong, brave, and powerful, they will learn despite their difficulties, they will still move mountains!

Participate in our Teen Programs

Every Thursday from 5:00pm – 7:00pm Individuals with Down syndrome ages 13-21 meet at the playhouse. There are 4 programs we keep on rotation. One Thursday night there is GiGi Fit Teen followed by Teen Tastic, then the next Thursday there is Dance followed by Cooking Club. We have great volunteers who keep the participants busy and having fun. Check out our calendar and RSVP for the program you’d like to participate in!