As a kid, my favorite thing that only ever happened on occasion (like birthday parties and community events) was jumping around on a bouncy castle! There’s something so innocent and pure about just throwing your body down onto something that bounces you back to life! Over the years, there were endless hours spent on that thing, trampolines too! It’s a good form of exercise and gets your adrenaline pumping instantly.
And who doesn’t want to go higher and faster? Every kid likes to push it to the limit to see how far they can go. It can be a little bit more difficult, however, if you’re in a wheelchair. One might assume it would be impossible to jump on a trampoline while seated in a wheelchair–until you see this video that truly celebrates inclusivity and a little thinking outside the box.
Wyatt is a 4-year-old boy who is mobile by wheelchair. He has spina bifida and can’t use his legs but he doesn’t let anything slow him down. It was on this particular day that mom brought him in (he’s been going once a week for the past two years) that something different happened. Along with one of the trainers of the facility, little Wyatt was hoisted up onto the trampoline and given the ride of his life! With Wyatt holding on tightly, and the trainer holding on just as tight, the two bounced up and down, up and down, up down! The look of sheer joy and delight that comes across the child’s face is totally undeniable!
Wyatt’s glasses go flying off for a second, but he regroups. The trainer offers to take them for him, “Here…want me to wear ’em? Is that better?” Wyatt is relieved, and the two continue to go. Just when you think he might have had enough, Wyatt wants more. You can hear the boy exclaim, “Faster!”
Kim Pladson, the Executive Director at TNT Fitness in Fargo, North Dakota, USA, is absolutely thrilled about the video that’s been circulating after what just happened at her facility with over 4 million views, 68 thousand shares, and 1.2K comments! “I think it’s hard not to think that Wyatt with his glasses bumping up and down on his face and yelling to go faster or higher wasn’t something that wasn’t going to capture your heart,” Kim says. I hope Wyatt gets to do this more often!
Click below to watch this beautiful moment of true joy!
