Local program empowers young people with developmental disabilities

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WatchA 73-year-old with cerebral palsy wants to empower other young people, with a physical activity program he has founded. Veronica Cooper has the details in this edition of Vital People.

“I was supposed to never walk. Or swim, or skate, or ride a bike, or play hockey.”

Those are the words of Brian Gray, who was born with cerebral palsy.

“Apparently, nearly lost my mum the day I was born. Miracles happen,” Gray says while thinking back on the remarkable parents who raised him to never give up.

“When I was three, going on four, I still couldn’t do more than five or six steps. The specialists were sure I couldn’t do stuff, but the thing is, I had parents that really gave me the opportunity.”

Now, this inspiring 73-year-old wants to empower other young people, with a physical activity program he has founded, Play Beyond Expectations.

“It’s a program for young adults with developmental disabilities. We use three sports — pickleball, and basketball, and floor hockey — simultaneously. Sort of like organized chaos! But they have a lot of fun!”

Learn more about Play Beyond Expectations in this week’s Vital People with Veronica Cooper.

Vital People is sponsored by The Victoria Foundation.

Veronica CooperVeronica Cooper

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