The City of Bryant announced on Friday its acceptance of a $2,000 grant from Autism Speaks®, an organization dedicated to teaching youth experiencing Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) about swimming and water safety.
Currently, drowning is the number one cause of death for autistic children. With that statistic in mind, the Bryant Parks Department will use 100 percent of the awarded funds as swimming scholarships for any child that has been diagnosed with ASD or a comparable cognitive disability.
These swim programs, known as “Buddy & Me Swim Lessons,” will allow parents to enter the water with their child as a volunteer or “buddy” during class. The familiarity and comfort of the one-on-one “buddy” encourages the participants with a positive and fun atmosphere to help soothe several sensory and fear related barriers.
“I am excited to have such a positive program available to our community this summer,” said Brandon Griffin, Recreation Superintendent for the City of Bryant. “It’s the responsibility of this department to increase the awareness and safety of these children in our community. Anytime you can educate youth about safety through fitness programs, it is very rewarding.”
The “Buddy & Me Swim Lessons” come in addition to the “Adaptive Sports Sampler” and “Wheelchair Basketball League” that the Bryant Parks Department has launched for physically disabled veterans and children. All Bryant Parks adaptive programming take place on Saturdays at Bishop Park Community Center as well as Mills Park pool. The next “Buddy & Me Swim Lessons” will start at 8:30 a.m., on Saturday, July 5at the Bishop Park Aquatics Center.
For more information regarding the Autism Speaks grant award, contact Griffin at 501-943-0444. Online registration is available at www.CityofBryant.Com/Enroll
