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 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, earning both a silver and bronze medal. He was later invited to represent Canada at the 2026 World Championships.

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 opportunities to participate in sport — not as an afterthought, but as valued athletes. Gymnastics supports strength, coordination, mental health, confidence, and social connection. It’s a sport that truly complements all abilities and lifestyles when inclusion is prioritized.

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

If you’re able to donate, share this page, or simply send encouragement, it truly means more than we can express.

Your support helps make it possible for Braedyn to represent Canada at the 2026 World Championships — and helps show other families what’s possible when inclusion, opportunity, and belief come together.

Thank you for reading, sharing, and supporting Braedyn’s journey.