It takes a village….a Variety Village!

By Guest Blogger: Emily Proctor, our new Getinvolved.ca content specialist and contributor!

“It takes a village to raise a child” – this African proverb is quoted on the wall at Variety Village – a fitting place for it indeed!

Variety Village is the flagship project of Variety: The Children’s Charity. It is an integrated, multi-purpose sports facility located in Scarborough, Ontario. But it is more than that – it’s a community, and a place of caring and understanding.  It’s a place where families come together, train together and learn together. Able-bodied children grow up in Variety Village learning about their peers with disabilities, and training alongside them in an inclusive environment. Children with special needs become part of the group, instead of set aside in a separate class.

The staff at Variety Village amaze me, as they face the challenges head-on daily – challenges like effectively communicating with and teaching a disabled child who is non-verbal a new game or sport.

Variety Village offers many different options for members, including child and youth programs, active aging programs, integrated classes, personal training, and specialized classes. The Village is equipped with two swimming pools, a weight room, an indoor track, a cardio room, a 76,000 square foot field house that houses three basketball courts, a rock climbing wall, and a Taekwondo dojang.

Parents have told me that their child has never been so excited to be in a program, compete in a tournament, or just go to Variety Village to see their friends and favourite staff members. Some parents even join the program alongside their children! I know families who have become best friends and I know children who have finally found a place where they feel like they belong. I myself have even discovered a Taekwondo ‘family’ to call my own.

I joined the Taekwondo program at Variety Village 8 years ago. I am now a 2nd dan black belt, provincial competitor, and an instructor! Thinking back to when I started Taekwondo, I never imagined that I would find such a passion for the sport and for Variety Village. I’ve learned so much from all the staff and members at Variety Village – especially my Taekwondo students. As an instructor, I like to think that I’m teaching them, but half the time I feel that they’re teaching me! I teach everyone from white belt to black belt, from 4 years old to 50+, and from able-bodied and special needs. Working with individuals who have special needs is an extremely challenging and gratifying job which can require some patience and skill. But it’s worth every road-block, as each one of my students help me grow and learn – they have enriched my life.