LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Down Syndrome of Louisville’s mission is to provide support, education, and advocacy for individuals with Down syndrome; thus enabling each individual to reach their full potential. That's why DSL hosts an annual bike camp twice a year.

What You Need To Know

  • Down Syndrome of Louisville hosts bike camp for students every Saturday in April

  • Anyone is welcome, kindergarten and up

  • 45 minute classes with occupational and physical therapists are offered

Children anywhere from kindergarten and up are able to participate in the event that dates back almost a decade.

“It was so fun, it was so fun all day,” one bike rider Logan Chevalier said.

Bikes of various sizes and skill levels will be utilized from DSL's collection of bikes, or families can bring their own bicycles. 

Parents of children with down syndrome said the process of learning how to ride is the hardest part.

“It’s beautiful, just beautiful to be able to do what his neighbors are doing, what his brothers are able to do," Stacey Chevalier said. "A small percentage of individuals with down syndrome ever learn how to ride a two wheel bike because of that core strength, it's really hard. It takes a lot more effort for them to get that core strong enough to do it so if he's willing to put in the work then we'll get there."

A parent or caregiver is required to attend each session to receive strategies for home practice.

“We had a young man who wanted to be a part of a triathlon and the only thing he did not know how to do was ride a bike and he came in and was not a bike rider and by the end of camp he's riding now. So it's great to see the growth and development in these kids and the confidence too,” said Susan Teaford, school age manager for Down Syndrome of Louisville.

It’s a milestone that puts a smile not only on the child’s face but on the parents, too. 

“So it's exciting for us to see that there's a skill that she's learning that will just help her fit in with the other kids in our neighborhood and kids in her class and that as a family makes that dream of us going on bike rides and doing things together as family more of a reality,” Aimee Radford said.

Down Syndrome of Louisville hosts the camps every spring and fall. More information can be found on their website.