giving catalogue

Physical activity for everybody and every body.

Free2BMe is a unique program of the University of Alberta’s Steadward Centre for Personal & Physical Achievement that develops physical literacy in children and young adults from the ages of four to 19. Our programs are child-specific and open to kids living with any range of motor-skill impairments. All of our programs enjoy a high ratio of instructors to participants, so that activities can be geared to the needs of each child.

Our promise to you

Every dollar you give counts. Monthly, or a lump sum, individually or as a group—the catalogue is designed so that you can give to the programs you wish to support, in a manner that works for you. Your support helps us to sustain our programs for Free2BMe kids, and to secure and retain staff, engage graduate students, create new partnerships and purchase and maintain equipment and supplies.

Your gift goes to the program of your choiceEvery dollar you give supports Free2BMe programs and services. Select a specific program, or let us direct your donation to where we need it most. It’s up to you.

Every dollar to sustaining our programs

You CAN make a difference

We have helped over 600 kids and families in the Edmonton and surround-ing area to develop fundamental movement skills and physical literacy. By developing physical strength and fitness in traditional athletic or creative settings, children become strong, and confident. When you give through the Free2BMe Giving Catalogue you will truly help to transform young lives.

The need: WHY physical activity and sports?

All kids benefit from being free to explore physical activity in a way that works for them. At Free2BMe kids and teenagers learn to see themselves as healthy, and strong—free to determine their own life outcomes with the confidence to participate in the community outside of our programs.

motion

independence

“The program was amazing. My son gained confidence

each week as the instruction seemed geared

directly toward him. The instructors were terrific.”

-Free2BMe parent

Where does your money go? Your money directly supports the costs of this program, for example: staff, volunteer recruitment and train-ing, facility rental, purchasing and maintaining equipment.

cycle challenge Balance. Spatial coordination. Strong legs and lungs. Confidence. Witnessing it all come together as a child rides down the street for the first time with no guiding hand on the back of the seat, marks a real and symbolic step towards independence. For parents it foreshadows the future of their child; independent and confident in the world.

Using indoor and outdoor facilities, we start this class in the spring to get kids ready to ride outside with their friends and family. Geared for 7- to 14-year-olds, we teach essential skills such as maneuvering a bike from a standing position, mounting, dismount-ing, achieving and maintaining balance, pedaling and understanding the rules of the road are taught. As kids learn and celebrate their many successes, they build self-confidence all along the way.

balance

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volunteer

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“The program was developed well for the children. It was spe-cific in catering to all needs. The kids had a blast and I did too!”

–Free2BMe volunteer

move

groove

movin’ and groovin’ dance classFree2BMe takes physical activity into the realm of creative expression. Using the skills of professional dance instructors and spe-cially skilled community volunteers, Movin’ and Groovin’ creates dance and performance opportunities for kids, teens and their families.

Hip hop, line dancing, Zumba and live interpretive performances are all part of the creative mix as kids and teens are exposed to a wide range of dance forms and, for those who are interested, performance opportunities. Kids and teens become participants, performers, choreographers and enthusiastic audience members exploring movement through dance.

dance

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Where does your money go? Your money directly supports the costs of this program, for example: staff, volunteer recruitment and train-ing, equipment purchase, and facility rental.

volunteer

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“I would most definitely recommend this group to others and will re-enroll

my daughter in future teen groups… Thanks to all of you for the positive exposure and experience for my family!” –

Free2BMe Parent

strong

belong

teen nightTeenagers need somewhere to be teenagers! AND... teenagers also need to learn healthy living habits to last their lifetime.

At Teen Night kids take part in all kinds of fitness activities such as weight lifting, martial arts, swimming, floor hockey and more—all in the name of getting fit, developing confidence, learning healthy life skills, making friends and having fun. Our staff create individual and group fitness activities geared specifically for each teenager in the class. Registered dietitians provide nutritional activities.

Fun, healthy life skills are the order of the evening. What kind of healthy fun? How about making a delicious strawberry smoothie with a bicycle-powered blender?

Where does your money go? Your money directly supports the costs of this program, for example: staff, training and recruiting volun-teers, kitchen supplies, healthy snacks, adapted physical activity equipment.

fit

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volunteer

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PAWS—pre-adolescent workout sessions

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health

fitness

PAWS teaches the basics of personal fitness to youth and young teens. A wide range of activities from circuit training and yoga, to games like “Fitness Monopoly” keeps things interesting and fun. The Universiade Pavilion provides an accessible facility, with child-sized adapted and traditional equipment. Staff guide kids through an interactive 10-station circuit training program which builds strength, endurance and flexibility and also mirrors activity-re-lated movements such as cycling, rowing, or skating. Kids also learn to use specialized equipment such as a ski trainer, moonwalker and semi-recumbent elementary exercise bikes. And kids can bring a buddy if they choose.

A great benefit of PAWS is the confidence that comes with being fit and strong. The PAWS program is also a bridge for kids and teens to more advanced Free2BMe fitness programs such as Teen Night, or Athlete in Training. All of our programs, including PAWS enjoy a high ratio of instructors to participants, so that activities can be geared to the needs of each child.

Where does your money go? Your money directly supports the costs of this program, for example: staff, volunteer recruitment and train-ing, equipment purchase, and facility rental.

confidence

Great variety! The staff were open and willing to help my son in times

of anxiety. They encouraged him to try things he would never do

before. We are so happy we found this program! - Free2BMe parent

volunteer

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athlete in training

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speed

balance

Agility. Balance. Coordination. Speed.These are the fundamentals of athleticism. Built on these core principles, Athlete in Training is geared for teens from 12-19 years of age who are also aspiring Para-alpine and Para-nordic skiers, sledge hockey players, 7-aside CP soccer players, goal ball athletes or wheelchair basketball players.

These young athletes complete high-intensity workout sessions in an environment that meets their unique needs. Athletes are trained by fully-qualified strength and conditioning coaches with a sound understanding of high-level disability sport.

Athlete in Training provides accessible, high-level, competitive, athletic training in team and individual sport, geared to the specific needs of young adults living with physical impairment who desire to compete at a very high level.

Where does your money go? Your money directly supports the costs of this program, for example: staff, purchasing supplies, maintain-ing and purchasing adapted exercise equipment.

agility

““This program has really helped my daughter understand the benefits of a regular exercise program. She’s benefitted from understanding how a fitness development program can

assist her to participate in and be more successful in activities she likes

or in which she never thought she could succeed. “ Free2BMe parent

volunteer

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sport sampler

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fun

participate

Sports Sampler helps kids to become confident, fit and learn sports in an accessible, welcoming, and fun environment. Sports Sampler focuses on skill development for kids aged 7 to 12 years of age. Many graduate from this program to other programs such as PAWS, Teen Night, Athlete in Training or Intramural Night.

Guided by enthusiastic instructors to participants, and bouyed by the infectious energy of young kids, Sports Sampler introduces a wide range of sports—everything from badminton, Para-sports, and martial arts to Japanese Taiko drumming. Community volunteers with specific skills in some of the sports often help out. Guest hosts provide expert coaching and a rich variety of experiences for kids in the program. Past hosts have included members from the Edmonton Stallions football club, the National women’s sit volleyball team, the Kita No Japanese Taiko Drumming Troupe, and the University of Alberta fencing club.

Where does your money go? Your money directly supports the costs of this program, for example: volunteer recruitment and training, equipment purchase and facility rent-als, e.g. swimming pool, climbing wall

energy

“The staff are the greatest strength of this program.

They see the potential in ev-ery child and use their train-

ing to help the children reach their potential. Our child is

accepted completely as she is.” -Free2BMe parent volunteer

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intramural night

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active

fun

At Intramural night kids and young adults between the ages of 10 to 19 can enjoy a new sport each week. Friends and siblings are welcome and everyone takes part in a variety of sports and activities including racquetball, basketball, slow pitch, soccer, volleyball and dodgeball. This new program provides a fun 90 minutes of team-based activities in a non-competitive environment.

Kids and teenagers enrolled in the program are placed in age-appropriate teams, and, as in all of our programs, they enjoy a high ratio of skilled staff to participants. In this program, kids put motor skills, coordination, team and social skills together while they get active. They also learn the basic rules of a variety of sports, while they experience the fun and challenge of playing on a team in a non-competitive setting.

Intramural Night provides kids with disabilities a fun and normalizing experience—something they can talk about and share with their friends at school.

Where does your money go? Your money directly supports the costs of this program, for example: staff, volunteer recruitment and training, equipment and facility rental (swimming pool, gymnasium).

strong

“The instructors of the program were outstand-

ing. The program was well organized and my son

learned so much! Thanks for all of your hard work!” -Free2BMe Parent

volunteer

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Where does your money go? Your money directly supports the costs of this program, for example: staff, volunteer recruitment and training, equipment purchase, main-tenance and facility rentals, e.g. swim-ming pool, climbing wall, kayaks

summer camps

fun

friends

Dance. Swim. Hockey. Kayak. Marial Arts. Baseball. Walleyball. Three-legged-races. All kinds of active summer fun.

Every summer we design week long summer camps to provide a wide range of activities for kids and young adults from 4 t0 19 with disabilities. Based on the age, interests and skills of the participants, activities range from fundamental movement and body awareness activities, to sports, skills development, strength conditioning and team play. Whatever the age, skill level, or interest, there are appropriate activities geared to get participants moving, fit, strong, and developing healthy habits for their entire lifetime! A special summer stand-by is our one-wheeled trail rider, propelled by two or four trained sherpas, to provide access to Edmonton’s beautiful river valley trails for kids and teens with mobility impairment and their families.

Our summer camp programs are delivered by our own highly trained staff and volunteers, and we guarantee a high ratio of instructors to participants, so that participants can move safely, with confidence and support in all activities. We tap into Edmonton’s great community to provide a wide range of experiences, and resources.

fitness

volunteer

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“I have found this to be the best summer program for

children with disabilities in Edmonton.”

- Free2BMe Parent

not your everyday gymnasium

fitness

family

Free2BMe has been empowering kids and teens who experience impairment to become physically fit, healthy and strong and feel good about themselves since 2005. Our programs are unique. Each of our programs use creative methods based on up-to-date research, and are tailored to the specific needs of each participant. Our programs help kids experiencing disability to become healthy, fit, and strong.

Our programs help kids from 4 – 19 to:

o Become more physically fit and healthy

o Experience success

o Develop independence

o Become capable, self-determined adults

friends

free2BMe giving catalogue - unique programs

free2BMe giving catalogue - about us

At Free2BMe, children learn to experience physical activity with their own bodies in a positive way. At present we provide activities and programming for 200 children a

week. Our programs are based on the fundamentals of Adapted Physical Activity and physical literacy, and grounded in current research. At Free2BMe kids learn

physical activity and healthy lifestyle strategies that will last them a lifetime.

Free2BMe programs:

o Are based on needs of each child

o Focus on inclusiveness and ability

o Teach kids skills to be active for life

o Are based on up-to-date research

Our programs are available to any child aged four to 19 who is living with physical impairment. Families experiencing disability as a result of impairments such as autism,

global developmental delay, developmental coordination disorder and cerebral palsy all find a safe and welcoming place to be active. Medical referrals are not necessary and no child with physical literacy impairment is turned away. For each child or teenager, we assess and develop specific strategies for physical activity and health. This ensures each child in Free2BMe can experience physical activity with his or her own body in a positive way.

Child-specific physical literacy instructional programs for kids and teens living with impairment are not available in the wider community. We charge a nominal fee for

our programs so that all kids can attend. Your support will allow us to keep our fees nominal, so that our programs can remain accessible to all families who wish to engage

in our programs.

Free2BMe staff receive extensive training in adapted physical activity to equip them with the specialized skills they need to work with kids living with impairment. All are

educated with a minimum of a four-year degree in a relevant discipline such as kine-siology, sports performance, or physical education. There are advantages to being

housed in a university! We have access to graduate students, and use the latest research to develop training and workshops specifically for our needs.

The funding we receive through the giving catalogue will help us to sustain our programs and retain our excellent staff.

Unlimited Potential

Accessible

Specialized Staff

About Us Free2BMe is a unique program of the University of Alberta’s Steadward Centre for Personal & Physical Achievement that develops physical literacy in children and young adults from the ages of four to 19. Our programs are child-specific and open to kids living with any range of motor skill impairments. We don’t ignore the “fun” in fundamentals, however. Through one-on-one skill development, and a variety of group activities such as dance, sports, athletic conditioning, or summer camps, kids gain confidence, independence and self-esteem.

how you can giveIt’s most important that you give in a way that works for you! We’ve said it before, but it bears repeat-ing: every dollar we receive from you helps us to hire good people, train volunteers, purchase/main-tain equipment, and sustain Free2BMe programs.

This catalogue is organized so that you can support the program of your choice (or all of our pro-grams) in the manner of your choice. We appreciate each and every gift, and are deeply grateful for the tremendous support of our community.

Here’s some ideas:

• Annual Gifts: An annual gift, either in a lump sum, or as a monthly gift (credit card, automatic withdrawal, or post-dated cheques), provides us with a reliable base of fund-ing, and the ability to budget our programs efficiently. Many companies will match your donation, so be sure to ask.

• Gifts in Celebration: A donation to something you believe in is the perfect gift for someone who has everything--or maybe you have everything! Giving to Free2BMe in lieu of a birthday, or Christmas gift is a wonderful way to make your own or someone else’s special day even more memorable.

• Fun(d)raise With Friends: Raising money can be fun! Host a dinner party, or a picnic with friends, or arrange an office lunchtime scrabble fundraiser. Use a special skill—knitting, singing, dancing, paint-ing—to raise funds. The opportunities are as numer-ous as your ideas—limitless!

• Friend Us. Your social media networks go far and wide. It can be as simple as making a donation yourself, and then telling your friends about us.

• In Memoriam or Honour giving: Memorial contributions are a meaning-ful way to pay tribute to the memory of a friend, associate or loved one who has passed away.

• Bequests and Wills: You can choose to leave all or some of your estate to Free2Bme. By indicating your wish to give to Free2BMe in your will, you can make a substantial gift, that will support our programs for future generations.

• Corporate Matching Program: Many companies encourage their employees to contribute to charities by offering a “matching gift” program. This increases the value of your gift, at no extra cost to you. Ask your employer.

• United Way: Many offices, companies and places of business host workplace campaigns on behalf of the United Way. As a donor to the United Way, you have the option of designating your gift to specific agen-cies, such as Free2BMe.

• Inspire Us! Don’t let us cramp your style. We are happy to talk about fundraising with you, and we will celebrate and support your activities in our Free2Chat newsletter, and in the catalogue. To talk about raising funds, contact us.

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