In celebration of World Down Syndrome Day, GiGi’s Playhouse, an international network of Down syndrome Achievement Centres that offer free therapeutic and educational programming to individuals with Down syndrome, has partnered with HYROX America, the world’s fastest-growing fitness race combining both running & functional workout stations.
As the Official National Charity Partner of HYROX America, GiGi’s Playhouse and HYROX America will aim to meaningfully increase awareness and acceptance of people with Down syndrome in the wider gym and fitness community through engaging year-round activations and ultimately encourage the HYROX community and HYROX’s Affiliate Gyms to embed themselves in their local GiGi’s Playhouse.
This symbiotic partnership is the realisation of the commitment HYROX America and GiGi’s Playhouse have to empower participants to be more independent and confident in their abilities while improving their overall health and wellness.
The HYROX and GiGi’s communities will come together at both national and local events over the course of the year, culminating in a month-long series of HYROX + GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenges at HYROX partner gyms nationwide around Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October.
Part of the burgeoning growth of HYROX is due to the sport’s unwavering openness to competitors of all ages and abilities.
HYROX believes that sport and fitness is a privilege that should be accessible to all. At the heart of the HYROX and GiGi’s Playhouse ethos is acceptance and inclusion for all within the fitness community, no matter the individual’s ability.
This is already mirrored by GiGi’s Playhouse through its GiGiFIT program, created by skilled physical therapists who work specifically with individuals with Down syndrome to address common challenges within their community.
The program helps participants build strength, endurance, power, joint stability, balance, and movement control.
Douglas Gremmen, Managing Director, HYROX North America comments; “We are very excited to partner with GiGi’s Playhouse.
This partnership is a natural fit because of our shared belief that everyone deserves to have access to healthy fitness and provide a safe and inclusive gym environment for all.
HYROX racers span ages, genders, and athletic abilities, making GiGi’s Playhouse a natural choice because of the charity’s approach to making the world more aware and accessible to people with Down syndrome.”
Dan Vosnos, Director of Development & Advocacy, GiGi’s Playhouse adds; “We are grateful to partner with HYROX North America as their official charity partner.
There is tremendous synergy between our two communities in promoting acceptance and inclusion in all aspects of life.
We look forward to sharing our #GenerationG mission by encouraging every member of the HYROX family to take the “I Accept You Pledge” and develop new meaningful relationships along the way.