Sound Elite Athletics LLC in Port Orchard is providing a supportive and inclusive environment for children of all abilities, particularly through its sensory-friendly gymnastics program.
The gym, owned by Cinda Baldwin and daughter Rebekah Baldwin, offers a unique opportunity for children with sensory sensitivities or autism to enjoy gymnastics in a more calming and accommodating space.
Cinda explained that the sensory-friendly program was born out of her personal experience as a parent. “I have a son who is autistic and nonverbal, and growing up, there was just nothing for him,” Cinda said. “There was nothing for him to do with his siblings where they could be around other people who have siblings with disabilities. That’s really why I started this—so the kids and their parents could feel like they’re not alone.”
The program takes place on the first and third Saturdays of each month. The gym makes adjustments to accommodate the children’s needs. “We keep our lights low, and if we have music on, it’s low,” Cinda explained. “If a child needs the music turned off, we’ll do that, too. We have foam pads, trampolines and tumble trucks—lots of sensory input—which is especially important for kids who are looking for that kind of experience.”
The gym invites siblings to join in, helping families feel connected.
In addition, Sound Elite Athletics is gearing up for its next major competition. Rebekah Baldwin, who handles the gym’s floor operations, said that the gym’s trampoline and tumbling teams have already had some impressive results this season. “(Recently), two of our team groups got first-place team awards,” Rebekah said. “We also had several athletes place at the top with their all-around scores, and we had a second-place team as well.”
Sound Elite Athletics athletes will be heading to Hawaii for an upcoming competition. “We have eleven athletes going,” Rebekah shared. “This is our first time traveling outside the mainland, so we’re all really excited.”
Aside from that competition, the gym participates in regional and state-level events throughout the year. “We do about seven competitions a year, with some athletes qualifying for state and regionals,” Rebekah said.
The Baldwins are committed to giving back to their community. Through a partnership with a local organization, Sound Elite Athletics helps provide job opportunities for adults with special needs. “They come in twice a week with their support staff,” Cinda said. “It’s a great way to give them jobs that they might not normally have.”
While Sound Elite Athletics is passionate about competition and performance, the gym’s true mission is to help children build confidence and find a supportive community. “We hear from parents all the time about how their kids are just so much more confident after they’ve been here. To me, that’s a sign of success. This is a place where kids feel safe, both physically and mentally,” Cinda said.
The gym’s programs include recreational and competitive gymnastics, trampoline and tumbling, Ninja classes and even birthday parties. Sound Elite Athletics also offers open gym for various age groups, including special sessions for older children and families who need a safe place to spend their Friday nights.
Cinda hopes to expand the gym’s services to better meet the needs of children with special needs. One initiative she’s excited about is the USA Gymnastics HUGS Program, which trains coaches to work specifically with children with disabilities. “I would love to get the HUGS program started here,” Cinda said. “It would really help us take this program to the next level.”
For details go to www.soundeliteathletics.com
