Inclusive swimming classes at this Chennai club help build health & confidence

For the last six years, the League Club in Vadapalani in Chennai is filling a critical gap for children with special needs and their parents.

About 80 children with disabilities ranging from autism, ADHD, Down syndrome have been learning swimming here under the careful guidance of head guidance coach Sathish Kumar. Kumar said he decided to start these classes regularly when he realised how most coaches and pools in the city are unwilling to teach children with special needs.

Swimming benefits children with disabilities in a big way

Most parents said they found it hard to find an instructor who would not lay down many rules. Now their children have a chance to learn from a team of coaches. Swimming benefits hyperactive children as it is a full-body workout and also helps improve communication skills.

Initially the children need one-on-one attention initially and this needs time and patience an dis possible only in small groups. Many of the kids who come here take part in state and national-level competitions. The club has 12 coaches and a they are training some of the students for the selection camp for the 2019 Special Olympics.