Robert Gray is a retired physical education teacher for special needs children. He resides in Maryland but spends one month every year in El Salvador. Robert met Tonio several years ago and this year he tracked down Tonio at our home for a visit! Robert has a heart for Tonio and for making exercise fun. He has many ideas about how to create the best exercise methods to help children with special needs improve their strength and balance and make it really fun at the same time!
While Robert was only planning for an afternoon visit with Tonio, it turned into a whole week of surprises! All of the kids took to Robert immediately because of his unique ways to have fun and connect with the kids. He was able to get each child involved in some type of activity whether it was connecting pieces to a race-track or using a power tool to screw on wheels.
The first project was parallel cables for Tonio. Tonio will be able to walk in both directions, jump and do exercises such as squats to help build his core muscles. The unique part is that the cables are loose which will challenge Tonio’s balance and teach him much more than just walking.
The next project was fun for all! A simple bottle top on a string provided much entertainment and bicep exercises for the kids!
The third project led to the women handling the power tools! These pieces of wood with wheels underneath served as little “skateboards” for the kids to slide around on their stomachs. Robert assured us that having to push themselves around with their arms and playing tag at the same time would be an excellent workout. Check out the video Robert made during his visit.
The grand finale is a masterpiece. Robert took apart a bicycle so that Tonio could pedal it by sitting in a chair. The exciting part is that it is attached to a race track and the power generated from the pedaling makes the car go around the track. The even more exciting part is how it levels the playing field for a typical child and a child with special needs to compete with one another. This decked out bicycle is a crowd favorite! Click here for a video of Tonio using his new exercise equipment.
A big “muchas gracias” to Robert for his heart, time, energy, education and generosity to the kids at Love & Hope Children’s Home! We look forward to his visit next year!