Last year we were inspired by Nick Miller, a YMCA member, to expand our offerings to an underserved community. Nick is a member of the Boise Bombers Wheelchair Rugby team, as an athlete he dedicates time to his physical health and wellbeing. He is a frequent visitor to the Caldwell YMCA and enjoys training, but felt limited by the equipment. He sought out Y staff members and explained his dream to see equipment for people with disabilities in our facility.
Excited by the possibility, our team secured funds to turn Nick’s dream into a reality. We partnered with local home exercise equipment company, Freemotion Fitness, to design and install a brand new machine. We were surprised Freemotion Fitness would be custom-building two additional machines.
On December 20, 2022, staff excitedly awaited Nick’s arrival for a surprise equipment reveal. Nick was personally briefed on each machine by Freemotion master coach, Jake Saunders. He was able to test the equipment, provide feedback and be a voice for his community and help make the Treasure Valley Family YMCA a place for all.
Nick’s dream has led other Y facilities to custom-order their own adaptable machines for their members.
“This is the most normal we’ve ever felt,” says Nick’s fiancé Megan, “and it’s all because of the Y.”
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