Braedyn is on his way to represent

Canada at the 2026 Down Syndrome World Championships

— and your support can help get him there.

More Than Medals: How Gymnastics Is Opening Doors for Athletes with Down Syndrome

Gymnastics wasn’t always part of our plan.

Like many families raising a child with Down syndrome, we spent years searching for programs that would support our son’s development while also welcoming him for who he is. Many activities weren’t accessible, and others simply weren’t designed with inclusion in mind.

Then we found gymnastics.

What started as a way to help with strength and coordination slowly became something much more. Through repetition, encouragement, and patient coaching, our son Braedyn found confidence, routine, and a true sense of belonging. Gymnastics became a place where he wasn’t defined by limitations — only by effort and growth.

Over time, his dedication led him further than we ever imagined.

In 2025, Braedyn competed at the first Pan-American Open Gymnastics Championships for athletes with Down syndrome, organized by the Down Syndrome International Gymnastics Organization (DSIGO), earning both a silver and bronze medal. He has now been invited to represent Canada at the 2026 World Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria — a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

But his story is about more than medals.

It’s about access. It’s about what happens when children and adults with intellectual disabilities are given real opportunities to participate in sport — not as an afterthought, but as valued athletes.

Gymnastics supports strength, coordination, confidence, mental health, and social connection. When inclusion is prioritized, it becomes a space where everyone can belong and thrive.

There are many families like ours who want to see their children participate, belong, and grow — but access to programs, funding, and awareness is still a challenge.

Why We’re Asking for Support

Unlike athletes in large national programs, Braedyn’s training and international competition costs are covered by our family.

These include:

• Travel and accommodations

• Competition and registration fees

• Coaching and training support

• Training gear and competition attire

• Pre-competition camps, insurance, and related costs

We are doing everything we can through local fundraising, community support, and personal contributions — but we cannot do this alone.

How You Can Help

Every donation, no matter the size, helps bring Braedyn one step closer to representing Canada on the world stage.

If you’re unable to donate, sharing this page or following his journey means just as much.

Your support helps make this opportunity possible — and helps show other families what can happen when inclusion, opportunity, and belief come together.

Thank you for being part of Braedyn’s journey

Follow Braedyn’s journey:

See Ability – Braedyn: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586915615743