who will you run, walk or dash for? | Team Christina’s Campions|GiGi’s Playhouse 2016 5k

It is time to share another wonderful team participating in the GiGi’s Playhouse 2016 5k on August 20th! Today we are hearing from our outstanding Site Coordinator Christina!  This August marks her 1st full year as part of the GiGi’s family and we could not be more excited about the energy and passion she has brought to GiGi’s!   Now lets here what she has to say about 5k!

I am the very proud captain of “Christina’s Champions” ! This is actually my first time participating in the GiGi’s Playhouse 5k, I was strategically not in the country during the 2015 5k, so I could have ample time to train for those 3.2 miles ;)…..Kidding, I actually have run a lot of 5ks but I am really excited to be able to participate this year, and I’m looking forward to having a team to run with!

I am pretty biased about why I believe GiGi’s is such a good thing for the CNY community, and narrowing it down to a blog appropriate length is going to be pretty challenging. I think that GiGi’s Playhouse is important to the Syracuse community because it provides an ever expanding and welcoming network. Not only is the playhouse an invaluable resource for individuals with Down syndrome, but in my experience it gives something to everyone it comes in contact with. The past year has filled me up with so many fantastic moments, everyone should be getting in on this!
I want to raise the most money out of all teams, of course! Do I have an exact number? No. I just know that anyone who joins my team will crush it, and together we will come in 1st for that top fundraising slot. As Site Coordinator, I have a LOT of big plans for the playhouse, and I am hungry to put them in to action. I continually strive to make our programs their best of all, and will hustle day in and out to make sure that finances will never be a barrier for not only our families, but for us as a playhouse.
There have been some team spirt ideas floating around, but it is too early to make a decision. For right now, we guarantee nothing outside of our normal wit, charm, and overall kick butt attitudes.  Pro tip: We will listen to suggestions from anyone who donates $10.00 or more to the team –and yes we can be bought for the right price.

We asked Christina if there is anything she thinks those in the community who have not come to GiGi’s yet should know, or something she would like to share about Down syndrome that she things is important for others to know.

This may get a little preachy…

On the playhouse: I want people to know that we run on volunteer power. Without the time, energy, and effort of every volunteer here, we could not exist. Whether you are a program host, a tutor, a peer mentor, or you have helped on the day of our events, Thank you. Many hands really do make light work.

If you are interested in giving back to the playhouse, please consider volunteering! Click HERE to fill out a volunteer form.

On Down syndrome Awareness: I want people to understand that remaining quiet when you hear misinformation perpetuates negative stereotypes.

What I mean by this is that when individuals use offensive language, or cite false myths about Down syndrome please correct them. I am patient 0 for strongly avoiding conflict, but trust me, there is a way to gently correct someone.

Like we said, we love what Christina brings to GiGi’s! Thank you so much for going above and beyond every single day Christina!

If you would like to join or support Team Christina’s Champions click HERE 



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