Last month, we had the privilege of seeing a youth who attended our Healthy Living School walk again. This story is about Theo.
In early January, Kim Cabral and her Grade 5 class from Citadel Park School joined us for a session of Healthy Living School, a program, for school-aged children to spend a week at the YMCA and enjoy activities and lessons that help them develop healthy habits to bring into their daily lives. The week was filled with fun and enjoyed by each student who attended, but it was especially meaningful for one student, Theo Begin.
Theo is an exceptional young man who lives with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Despite the challenges inherent to his diagnosis, he has accomplished remarkable feats, including recently setting a world record for frisbee throwing through the World Flying Disc Federation. “His positivity, determination, and infectious sense of humour inspire everyone around him daily,” Kim shares.
Thanks to the Healthy Living School program, Theo had the opportunity to participate in activities that would, under normal circumstances, be challenging for him, like ice skating, Zumba, Pickleball and Traditional Indigenous Games. However, the highlight of the week was when Theo and his classmates went swimming. As Kim explained, “Swimming is one of the few times Theo can walk under his own power due to his diagnosis. With the help of YMCA staff, he was able to stand and move freely in the water without his wheelchair.” This experience gave Theo a sense of independence and freedom, and being joined by his classmates and teachers was a special experience.
“This moment meant the world to him, his friends at school, and the entire Citadel Park School staff,” says Kim. “Moreover, it highlighted the life-changing impact the YMCA’s facilities and employees have on the lives of our students.”
Theo’s time at the YMCA highlights the power of inclusive programs and facilities. When asked how the week made him feel, Theo replied with a simple and impactful statement: "Happy!" Children like Theo enjoy the benefits of physical activity and experience the power of belonging to a supportive and inspiring community. We are proud to be part of Theo’s journey and excited to see how his resilience continues to inspire others.
Thank you for supporting this inspiring story and the YMCA’s mission to help individuals of all abilities achieve their goals.
Theo's Photos from Healthy Living School, 2025
Not only was Theo an active participant in Healthy Living School this January, he also documented his and his classmates experience with his trusty digital camera! Check out some of our favourite photos from this budding photographer.
