An area business owner introduces a new fitness option to a group of students, in hopes of making the exercise a Special Olympics event.
Karen Bell started her Grand Traverse County business, "Hoopin' for the Health of It," because she found exercising with a specialized version of a Hula Hoop brought out her best, and the best in others.
"It enhances and enriches my life, and that's what I want to do for them. I want to do it for everyone, but especially a special needs group," said Bell.
Inspired by parents and some special friends, it's Bell's wish to someday see hoopin' as a Special Olympics event. In the meantime, she's introduced it to students from the Traverse Bay Area Adult Work Center. The student's teacher and Special Olympics coach believes it's a good fit for their fitness goals.
"We have a parent's group and we're meeting on a regular basis. One of the things the parents said was 'We want to come up with a way to get our sons and daughters moving.' This is definitely a good way to get people moving," said Fred Hoxie. "It's something everybody can do to varying degrees of success, but everybody can be doing something."
The first time the students, all in their 20's, gave it a whirl, it was part of their Physical Education class. The class often tries something new in the community. Bell was so taken by the smiles and energy in the room, that she donated the class time, invited them back, and decided to give each student their own hoop to take home.
"I love being around them. They just run on hugs, and so do I," said Bell.
Bell hasn't realized her dream of the Special Olympics yet, but it is one step closer. The activity will get athletes ready for hoops of another sort.
"I see them being used in gym class and probably as a warm up for Special Olympics activities," said Hoxie. "Basketball starts soon, and this will be a good way to warm up and get the blood flowing."
