‍

On an unusually warm Saturday in November, ZOOZ Fitness coaches and athletes gathered at the 31st Annual Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles (DSALA) T21 Walk & Festival, held at the picturesque Santa Anita Park Paddock Gardens in Arcadia. The day was dedicated to celebrating people with Down syndrome and supporting the vital programs that empower the local Down syndrome community.

‍

The festival buzzed with joy and connection — rows of booths, food vendors, games, dance performances, and of course, the signature awareness walk. Among the many organizations present, ZOOZ Fitness proudly hosted a booth, where coaches shared adaptive exercises, answered questions, and led fun, inclusive games for prizes.

‍

“It was such a meaningful day,” said Jake Weiner, Founder of ZOOZ Fitness. “Watching our athletes and coaches celebrate inclusion alongside their families is exactly what ZOOZ is all about — community, and belonging.”

‍

One ZOOZ athlete in attendance, Ashton, radiated excitement as he enjoyed the festivities with friends and family.

‍

 “I’m having so much fun!” he said, grinning from ear to ear.

‍

Ashton trains weekly one-on-one at ZOOZ and also participates in the gym’s new sports class. But his connection to ZOOZ runs even deeper — his sister, Cammy, is ZOOZ’s Operations Manager and a long-time coach. Their story together is at the heart of what makes ZOOZ special.

‍

Cammy’s journey began when Ashton — affectionately called Ashy — was born. She was just ten years old when he was diagnosed with Down syndrome, and she spent countless hours accompanying him to therapy sessions. Those early experiences inspired her passion for supporting others with disabilities.

‍

As a teenager, she volunteered as a coach for Ashton’s baseball team, the West Hills Champions League, and began nannying for a young man with Down syndrome named Jake — whose family would later introduce her to ZOOZ Fitness.

‍

“When I first sat in on a ZOOZ class, I thought, ‘This is amazing. How can I be part of this?’” Cammy recalls. “From leading yoga classes to shadowing other trainers, my journey eventually led me to become a coach — and now, Operations Manager.”

‍

Over the past four years, Cammy has become an integral part of the ZOOZ family. She now oversees operations at the gym, while Ashton and Jake — the two people who first inspired her — continue to train weekly at ZOOZ, building strength, confidence, and community.

‍

“It’s been incredible to see how ZOOZ has not only supported our family but expanded it,” Cammy said. “We’ve found a place where everyone belongs — athletes, families, and coaches alike.”

‍

At the T21 Walk, the trio — Cammy, Ashton, and Jake — proudly joined forces under the team name “The Extra Chromie Homies.” Surrounded by family, friends, and fellow ZOOZ coaches, they walked, danced, laughed, and celebrated inclusion together.

‍

“I love walking with my sister,” Ashton said, wrapping Cammy in a big hug.

‍

By day’s end, they had met new friends, reconnected with familiar faces, and even took a ride on a miniature train and in a model air force jet — experiences that captured the joy and playfulness of the day.

‍

As the event came to a close, Jake Weiner reflected on what made it so meaningful:

‍

 “Seeing Cammy, Ashton, and Jake out in the community, embodying what ZOOZ stands for, reminds us why we do what we do. It’s not just about fitness — it’s about inclusion, empowerment, and connection.”

‍

For Cammy and Ashton, this event was just one of many they attend as a sibling ZOOZ duo — spreading the ZOOZ message wherever they go.

‍

“We love sharing what ZOOZ represents,” Cammy said. “It’s about showing the world what’s possible when everyone has the chance to move, grow, and belong.”

‍