Meet Leah! Intern from SU

My name is Leah Futey, I am a student-athlete at Syracuse University studying health and exercise science. This semester, I’ve had the opportunity to volunteer at Gigi’s Playhouse with kids aged 8 through 14 in an exercise class focused on track, bowling, and basketball, titled “Little Sports”. I have been a track and cross country athlete from a young age, just a few years younger than the kids in this class. Now, as a track and cross country athlete at Syracuse University, I wanted to combine my passion of working with kids with my experience with movement. Running has taught me the value of perseverance, teamwork, and celebrating small victories. It is so incredible to see these values in each kid as they push themselves during a track race, when they work together in relay races, or try new activities that they are just beginning to learn.

What makes this internship especially meaningful to me is my personal connection to the Down Syndrome community. My younger sister has Down syndrome and growing up with her has shaped my perspective on inclusion and learning. She’s been my biggest inspiration for wanting to volunteer at GiGi’s Playhouse, and ultimately to encourage each individual’s growth through movement and learning.

Before starting my internship, I began volunteering at Gigi’s Playhouse as a GiGiFIT Teen leader. GigiFit was all about participants learning different stretches and activities to help improve their strength, balance, and coordination. This program is not only incredibly beneficial for the teens, but it was also an amazing experience for myself. I loved seeing how much each individual’s confidence and strength grew by learning new exercises and feeling proud of themselves.

Now, as part of the Little Sports program, I lead a multi-sport exercise class that combines fitness with fun! We’ve practiced track fundamentals like agility and relays, explored the coordination and motions of bowling, and we soon will be working on the teamwork and communication that comes with basketball drills. What I love most is watching each participant discover what they are good at, and ultimately enjoy; whether it’s sprinting to the finish line, celebrating a strike, or having fun with their teammates. 

Each week, these kids remind me that movement is about so much more than exercise. It’s about connection, confidence, and celebrating progress at every level. I’ve learned the ways that encouragement and creativity can make a huge difference in how kids engage with physical activity.

My time at GiGi’s Playhouse has not only strengthened my interest in fitness but also deepened my understanding of inclusion and community. It’s been incredibly rewarding to combine my love of athletics with a passion that means so much to me personally. I’m grateful for the laughter, the high-fives, and the fun that I have had with teaching and learning alongside each participant throughout the last several weeks.