What is it that you do with Down Syndrome? "I coordinate the Down Syndrome Association of Miami free swimming program for Down syndrome kids. It's a program that's a part of the association to improve the physical and mental skills of our kids by teaching them how to swim." What made you want to be a part of this? "I have a daughter with Down syndrome who’s 17 years old. She's a senior and a special Olympics athlete. She participates in swimming, golf, SUP (stand up paddle), basketball, is a cheerleader at school and she's a leader of the special Olympics input leader program. With the swimming program we want to show parents that their kids can accomplish the same things mainstream kids can. It might take more time but they can accomplish the same things. It's just a matter of working hard and motivating them." How would you explain Down Syndrome? "I would say they are the most lovely kids. They have a condition that makes them special and physically they are born with some limitations but spiritually they are the loveliest and strongest kind of kids." What would you say to a parents expecting a child with Downs? "I would say not to worry about the condition, but just to start thinking how to work with them from the very beginning and do the same things they would do if they were expecting a regular kid, with the difference that they would need an extra push but the rewards are met with more satisfaction." *Responses slightly edited with permission to allow for language barrier and clarity.*
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