Community moves together for ACCEPTANCE!

The sun and smiles were shining on June 5th, 2021 when our community came together to celebrate our GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge. This was the first time in over a year that GiGi’s had seen some of our participants and their families. From tossing the football with the retired football players of Chicago to hot shot basketball with the Loyola Rambers, there was something for everyone! Over 400 people participated in the June 5th GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge at GiGi’s Playhouse Hoffman Estates to move for acceptance. The Loyola Rambler’s, RPFPC, Anytime Fitness, Village of Hoffman Estates, Storm Soccer, Hoffman Estates Fire Department and NBC Nightly News were among those who supported our network event.

This event raised over $81,000 dollars for our Hoffman Estates Playhouse to provide FREE purposeful programs for individuals with Down syndrome and their families.

“GFAC event on June 5th was another great opportunity to share with the world how amazing individuals with Down syndrome are! We need to make the world more accepting of those with abilities that maybe different than ours.  When I look at my son TJ I don’t see his disabilities or inabilities….I see a little boy with spunk, attitude, determination and so much love! I see a little boy that has already changed my world  (for the better) and my job as his mom is to change the perception of others of those with abilities different than theirs.  I am so proud to be TJ’s Mom and I will continue to be his voice for acceptance.” – Lori Ferguson

What’s the Challenge?

To MOVE for your health and MOVE for global acceptance! You can walk, run, lift, play sports, swim, whatever!  WE challenge ONE MILLION people to collectively participate in a physical and social movement for acceptance to prove that everyone is accepted for who they are.

Why the Challenge?

We live in a world that is often separated based on differences. It is time for people to come together regardless of race, gender, diagnosis, sexual orientation, or religion. We need universal ACCEPTANCE for all people. This is why WE, the people of the Down syndrome community, are challenging YOU to move for acceptance – to prove that every person should be accepted for who they are.

Together we can MOVE the world in a more accepting direction

“It was wonderful to be a part of a global celebration of our loved ones with Down syndrome!  We are so thankful to have had the chance to celebrate in-person again!  The message of acceptance is so important to us to help build a world where our daughter will be able to have a life full of meaningful relationships, value, and fulfillment.” – Rebecca Silverman     

Visit us on Facebook, Instagram, and LikendIn to see photos from the GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge! 

                     THANK YOU TO EVERYONE FOR MAKING THIS EVENT SUCH A SUCCESS!