Down Syndrome & Archery

[eddings220]

Hi All,

My youngest son is 2 yrs. old and was born with Down Syndrome. He is an awesome little guy and is doing great. He just started walking a couple months ago and loves to be outside. As a dad, of course I am constantly thinking of things to get him into as he gets older and stronger. And as you can imagine by posting here, that Archery is high on the list. Approximately 1 in 800 babies born in the world are born with Down Syndrome, so my thought is that there are others possibly on Tradgang that either have a child with DS or know of a child or adult with DS that are into shooting bows and hunting. So with that, my question is how has the experience been for the child/adult?  And please include any stories or details as well.

Thanks,

Mark (excited dad)

[ChuckC]

I don"t have first hand experience to give you, however my personal feeling is that every person is different, and that if a person is able to do a task, that person should be allowed to do it (if THEY want to), under the right circumstances.  Again, those circumstances are different among us all.
ChuckC

[swp]

I had a young lady in one of my afterschool archery classes that had downs and she loved shooting, she did tire a little and would take breaks but all in all she did really well in the class.

[highplains55]

i live across the street from a group home with kids and adults with disabilities,all great people, i take a few of the older folks fishing once in a while and they are very focused and determined and do great,maybe archery next!

[NormanDale33]

My uncle Danny has Down's as well and is very able. I am sure I shot bows with him when I was younger. He helped out on the farm all the time and would even run my dads roto-tiller to help out in the garden. I have no doubts your son will pick it up, and be more than able. I sure am blessed to have my uncle Danny, and sure you feel the same way too.

[Bowsey Wails]

Saw a story on the news last night about a kid with Downs playing basketball. The coach was reluctant to play him. The kid got into a game where his team was leading. He proceeded to sink three pointers with better stats than professional players. He became a starter and led his team to a championship. Encourage every child to pursue any topic they have an interest in!
Tim

[ChrisM]

My best friend has a daughter with downs and she has neck problems, that would be the only concern I would have.  Other than that the sky is the limit as with any other child.

[Butchie]

Mark,

The timing of your post is amazing!  As I was reading it the doorbell rang.  It was the UPS man delivering a toy bow/arrow set I ordered for my daughter.   Claire has DS and will be 6 in March.  I've meant to do this for a while now &  I'm hoping she will take to it, although her first lesson wasn't met with the enthusiasm I'd hoped for...lol.

Give it a try and stay with it I'm sure you & your son will enjoy it no matter what!  One thing I have learned is to NEVER underestimate OUR kids.  They can and will do anything a "typical"  child can.  They'll simply do it in their own time.  God Bless!

Brent Barclay

[Skipmaster1]

a year and a half ago my inlaws bought a farm in VT. They closed just before hunting season and the second weekend we were up there a neighbor stopped by and asked if he could continue to hunt the property with his son. His son has DS and has been rifle hunting the last few years with his father and been very successful. I believe he also shot a bow, but didn't hunt with it. I think just like with anyone, some people will take to it and others won't but I don't see a reason he "can't"

[BenBow]

Gave my grandson his first laminated longbow for Christmas and he loves to shoot. We got him started with a hickory bow when he was 6 and he's 12 now.

[Todd Greenwald]

I have a cousin and worked with for many years individuals with Down Syndrome and mentally challenged people.  From my experiance, they just need a chance and someone that has patience and willing to spend the time with them.  It might take them longer to learn but they will learn to do it right and thier excitment when they get it, is priceless.  Give it a go and have fun.  I truely respect you and you are a very special father.  God Bless You! -Todd-

[beetlebailey1977]

One of my best memorys was at an event event that we were teaching kids to shoot bows.  A mother and her son with down syndrome was watching and he wanted to try but she didnt think he could do it.  He might have been 4 if not younger.  I said no bring him on let him have a go at it.  He listened well and shot that bow very well.  He had the biggest smile on his face when he walked away with his mother.  Made my day.

[Henry Hammer]

Mark, I used to have a friend who taught and trained many people with DS for the special olympics. He taught them bowling and they were VERY good! Just like anyone else they can put their mind to something and excel if they want. They just need the right teacher!!(dad)
P.M. sent to you as well..Henry

[Onestringer]

My son has DS he is 7 and will be 8 in May.  He has a Maddog Pup, I think is 12lbs at 18".  He has had it a while and likes to fling a few arrows with me.  The first couple of years I helped him draw the bow.  Now he can pretty much shoot the bow himself.  

Butchie hit the nail on the head, kids with DS can do anything the rest of the kids can do, they just do it on their own schedule.

If its nice this weekend I will try to get some video of Riley shooting his bow.

[Avid Archer]

Mark, my son Bowman has DS and also just turned two. I already have a bow and arrows for him and look forward to some day very soon when we can shoot together.

-Dave

[Onestringer]

I might also mention Riley takes taekwondo on Friday nights and we have boy scouts on Mondays.

[eddings220]

Thanks guys so much for your replys, it is really special to hear of how children and adults with DS or other disabilities can still participate in life and have fun at it. We do our best to treat him just like we do our other two children, but with more patience of course. Thanks Henry for the offer, I will reply back to you soon. Onestringer thanks for including the other things your son is involved with, my wife and I decided that whatever he shows interest in we will support it and go all out. Our local DS group we are apart of has a motto that is "The Sky is the Limit", we believe it for him and all the others as well. But I must admit, I hope Archery is one of his interest, but if not, dosen't matter, life will be fun!

[Flingblade]

This is a very inspirational thread!  My son has cerebral palsy and isn't able to shoot by himself.  I help hold the bow and draw but he sure does love to be in the woods or on the water with dad.  We need to work on our "being quiet" in the blind skills.  Ha Ha.  Have fun and post pics if you can!
Gary