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Two adults support an elementary school aged child in a wheelchair with holding and dropping a toy penguin
iHOPE students participate in the Penguin Plunge with their OTs and PTs.

YAI's iHOPE students taking part in the annual Summer Olympics finally flexed their skills in-person at the school’s new home in Midtown Manhattan.

Led by the Physical Therapy department, the two-week festivities started on August 1 and included sports activities that showcased the fine motor skills and abilities the students worked hard to develop all year. Students participated in rolling, walking, soccer, basketball, and obstacle courses, among other challenges. Each day students from all grades did morning and afternoon activities, accompanied by their paraprofessionals, who joined the full iHOPE staff and cheered them on.

"This year's Summer Olympics opened new doors for friendship and camaraderie among the staff, families, community partners, and volunteers, all with one common goal, to support the students as they compete in their respective Olympic events,” said Cristina Belarmino, iHOPE’s Director of Physical Therapy. "The paraprofessionals tirelessly practiced so they could perform a dance to cheer for our students. Everyone came together to create an environment for our students to shine, excel, and be recognized."

The theme was “Protect the Wildlife,” and each floor of the school was dedicated to a different habitat such as the jungle, savannah, and arctic.

"The closing ceremony topped it off with a sentimental poem performed by students, a movie recap of the past two weeks, and the premiere of our school anthem written by our music therapist," said Paula Chang, a Physical Therapist at iHOPE. "Everyone parted ways for the weekend with energy spent, shiny medals, and full hearts."

Watch some of the highlights from the Olympics.