When John Watson leads a fitness class, he lights up -- but what sets his classes apart are the students he teaches: all of them have intellectual and developmental disabilities, ranging from Down syndrome to cerebral palsy to autism. But helping them get fit isn’t Watson’s only goal. He wants to connect with the adults in his classes on an emotional level. “We all want to be a part of something. They just don’t get the opportunity that often,” he said. “We create a sense of pride, belonging and love. … When we (do that), they’ll show up to exercise.”

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