Sean Horton

Lifting weights, lifting spirits: Kinesiology student shares the joy of exercise with high schoolers through APEX

Chloé VidAmour in the gym at the Toldo CentreChloé VidAmour is an APEX program coordinator, MSc kinesiology and health studies student, and Lancer track and field athlete (DAVE GAUTHIER/University of Windsor).

By Kate Hargreaves

In high school weight rooms across Essex County, leadership class students and students with disabilities are sharing in the joy of exercise. 

Master of science in kinesiology and health studies student and APEX program coordinator Chloé VidAmour describes seeing these students build connections as “beautiful to watch.” 

“We see this blossom of friendship,” she says. “It’s so fulfilling to see how much everyone loves the program.” 

Program breaking down barriers through inclusive fitness

Mikala Jones leads Seth Sugarman through weight trainingMikala Jones leads Seth Sugarman through weight training during an Adaptive Physical Exercise session in the Toldo Lancer Centre.

Asked what his favourite part of coming to the gym is, Seth Sugarman replied: “everything.”

Sugarman is a participant in the Adaptive Physical Exercise (APEX) program, a partnership between the University of Windsor and Community Living Essex County that connects student volunteers with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.