Non-Profit Spotlight: Team Guts, Inc.

BY ANGELA ARLINGTON

Team GUTS is a 501(c)(3) non profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of the special needs population. Team GUTS provides year-round fitness classes, one-onone training, athletic and sports programs to children, teenagers and adults with special needs and disabilities. “No family is turned away. Rather, we provide scholarships to those families that are in need of financial assistance,” Paul Turner, founder of Team Guts, shares.

“While there is no shortage of programs centered on physical, speech and occupational therapy, fitness options for the special needs community are virtually nonexistent. Team GUTS was created to fill this void,” Paul explains.

The number of individuals in the United States that are overweight or obese is nothing short of alarming. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in 5 children and adolescents and more than 1 in 3 adults struggle with obesity. The consequences of this dreadful reality include an increase in the likelihood of certain diseases (e.g., heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, some types of cancer) and myriad other health complications.

However, some demographic groups in this country are more affected than others and there is no better illustration of this disparity than within the special needs population. Children and adults with mobility limitations and intellectual or learning disabilities are at greatest risk for obesity. With respect to children and adolescents, the CDC states that obesity rates for this group are approximately 38% higher than for children without disabilities. Additionally, 20% of children 10 through 17 years of age who have special health care needs are obese compared with 15% of children of the same ages without special health care needs (www.cdc.gov/obesity).

Evidence shows that regular physical activity provides important, and even critical, health benefits for this overlooked demographic; improved cardiovascular and muscle fitness, improved mental health, and a better ability to do tasks of daily life. Physical activity is especially important for the special needs community given the unique challenges they face in remaining fit. For example, research indicates low fitness levels and obesity in the Down syndrome community despite data that indicates physiological gains from physical activity and exercise interventions. Low fitness levels and obesity in individuals with Down syndrome are thought to be related to sedentary lifestyles, the lack of social and recreational opportunities, or low motivation to be physically active (Volume 12, Issue 1, July 2007, Down Syndrome Research and Practice).

“Team GUTS is committed to continuing its mission of providing year-round fitness options to children, teenagers and adults with special needs. We understand the importance of the services we offer. The families we serve show us every day how to triumph in the face of adversity, and they deserve an organization and community that is willing to do the same.”

SUPPORTING:

“We always looking for fitness instructors that have experience working with individuals with special needs. Additionally, we are always appreciative of volunteers to help in our fitness classes and during our summer camps. Finally, a person can support us financially by visiting our website https/www.teamgutsmichigan.com .”

“Hey there Paul, Jamari and I really enjoyed the Team Guts camp this week. I am sad that it ended this afternoon. I really enjoyed the staff and interacted with the parents. Yes, you and Todd can always call or text me anytime. Blessings to you and your family.”

-JERRY MADDOX

“Seth attended three partial weeks of Camp. I feel like he really enjoyed it and seemed very tired out afterwards. I would assume that most activities were a bit of a challenge to Seth and I feel like your counselors were all so great. I would love to hear about possible upcoming classes, so I will be checking your site for a fall schedule. I am so happy Seth was able to attend. Thank you all so much.”

-CORTNEY SERDONER

“I thank you for having this program. I also appreciate the financial support that allows her be able to attend camp.”

-ACQUANETTA MOORE

“We are always grateful to the lead staff and counselors of Team Guts. It is an excellent program for special needs students who have very little opportunity to participate in sports or fitness activities in their regular public schools and related programs. WE love that our son always gets multiple opportunities to participate while using his physical skills and developing greater cooperative and social skills. It is always a big boost to his self-confidence to talk with peers and be around patient, supportive counselors. Thank you for enriching his life with such outstanding fun and compassionate teachers.”

-MARI MORTSFIELD