From the time he started over three years ago, Cosmo has taught us all a new level of learning how to overcome challenges. He has matured and become quite the athlete through consistency and strong determination. Coach Gino said it best, “It’s inspiring to watch Cosmo work so hard and try new things – even when these new things seem overwhelming at first. His accomplishments make us very proud – it’s why we do what we do.”

Cosmo has been so consistent and improving dramatically, especially over the last year, which is why we decided to feature him this month.

I started at Salus in the fall of 7th grade (2017). My OT teacher Ms. Ali recommended it to me and my parents because I had grown out of the gym at Abilities in Action, but still needed to work on my strength and body awareness because of sensory processing disorder, which made some coordination and movement difficult for me.

One thing that stands out is jumping rope, seems like a simple thing but as a kid I had such a hard time with it, it took years and lots of practice. Also, I have just become so much stronger, able to do pull ups, go across the monkey bars. I have built my upper body strength.

Like I said, jumping rope, now I can even do a double unders and a ring muscle up.

Coach has taught me a lot of barbell movements like the snatch, the hang clean, etc..

I have a lot more muscles and definition especially in my arms and legs.

By getting stronger, I have a lot more confidence in sports than I did back when I was younger. For example, I NEVER wanted to play volleyball because I wasn’t good at it, but now I have a pretty decent serve and love to play. I even joined the track team and throw shot put.

It’s fun, a really nice workout. You gain muscle, confidence. The people are all so nice and Coach Gino is always happy to help. I have had a few friends try it over the years.

I know that I will continue to get stronger and more confident in myself as a person and an athlete.

My favorite lift is the snatch. It really gets my legs and arms working.

Start off with less weight and listen to the coaches, eventually you will become stronger both physically and mentally.

I really want to get the bar muscle up and complete ten reps.

Hmmmm…I would definitely start with 20 pull ups.

Then 9 hang snatches.

21 front squats.

And then finish it off with a 400 meter run.

My favorite thing to do is hang out with my friends, go to the movies (once we can do that again), play xbox, go hiking, go swimming and go to the beach.

Might try surfing again this summer.

I love a good fruit smoothie!

My favorite splurge is a bacon cheeseburger from Vagabond in Atlantic City.

If I could be an animal I would be a wolf, they are my favorite animals. Super cool, apex predator. I like how they always travel in packs and there is an alpha.

“It’s probably going to be a long journey, but hey, it’s worth it.” ~from the song The Search by NF

I grew up dealing with dyslexia and I still do have it. But, I have overcome a lot of obstacles and learned how to speak up about it.

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