Misty Gray Kluck was a former cheerleader who wanted her daughter, Tessa, to have the same chance to perform that she did. Tessa, 12, was born with Down Syndrome and autism, which made the endeavor a little more challenging.
“When you receive the Down Syndrome diagnosis, one of the first things you think of is that everything you thought about your daughter or child or that baby you are pregnant with, it kind of disappears and you go through this grieving process,” she said.
“I wanted my daughter to be able to cheer. We moved to Saline district after I lost my husband to cancer. Tessa started cheering with Saline, and they had open arms and they really didn’t have anybody with developmental disabilities cheering at that time, and we set the standard for that. We helped train them, and essentially, it created advocacy. It showed Saline that our kids can do all the things,” she said.
Kluck quickly realized that more could be done for these cheerleaders with disabilities. She founded the Work and Play Special Needs Resource Center, putting her ten years of community advocacy for children with developmental disabilities to work. She soon learned about Cheerabilities, and knew this organization would be a perfect fit for her daughter and for other special needs individuals in the community.
Squad goals
Two years ago, they offered Cheerabilities Squad to twelve students throughout the school year. This year, they have sixteen participants. Each week, the students come together to practice routines, build friendships and have fun. The team also enjoys social activities like trips to the zoo, movie nights and more.
“We serve all ages. Sparkle and Shine Cheerabilities team is ages 8 and above. Our oldest is 32. There’s no age cap. If they want to cheer, they’re more than welcome.”
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Cheerabilites has coaches and volunteers that include parents and students, some of whom are from the University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University and Saline High School. Participants work on routines, and then have opportunities to perform in public venues. Recently, they participated in the Saline Holiday Parade. Last year, they performed in the halftime show for the women’s University of Michigan LaCrosse team, and plan on returning this year.
Currently, they are working on an initiative with Eastern Michigan University to start the first Cheerabilities Special Olympics team.
A chance to shine
Kluck has seen the benefits of this program first hand. She is happy to share this positive experience with other parents and children.
“So many parents are told that they can’t do the things. But when you see them practice and go out on that half time show field, and they are smiling and giving it their all, they come off of that field with their self-esteem that goes from low to extremely high. They are so proud of themselves. It proves to them and to everyone else that they can do it. They just learn a little bit differently.”
Students are not just sharing their team spirit. They are also sharing meaningful relationships with their fellow squad members.
“It’s about having that bond and community and being able to do those things together. That’s a big deal. There’s a difference between walking in a place with peers your age, and when you walk into somewhere where there are people like you, you see their shoulders go down, you see them being themselves, you see them relaxing and giggling. That’s what this is all about. Creating community and creating bonds. If something happens to me or to other parents, you know they have friendships and people that love and care for them.”
For more information, visit workandplaycenter.org
