Autism parent gives free water sport lessons to children on the spectrum

PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) - The founder of the non-profit "Autism Mana" is hosting free paddleboarding, kayaking and duck boat lessons for children with autism at the Lake Elizabeth Pavilion on Saturday.

"It’s a very sensory-rich activity. You’re going to see it. You’re going to hear it. You’re going to feel it," Autism Mana founder Kevin Blunt said.

Blunt founded Autism Mana in partnership with The Denver Foundation (TDF) five years ago after moving to Pueblo from Hawaii with his son Makai, who has autism. He said he couldn't find any recreational programs for children like Makai, so he created his own.

"It's tough when you have a special needs kiddo who’s non-verbal," Blunt said. "Just a week or two ago, when we were wrapping up our exercise program, I had a father come up to me, and he said thank you for creating something that me and my kids can bond over."

It's the second summer Blunt has hosted free assisted water sports lessons at Lake Elizabeth off the Riverwalk. It's from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Blunt asks parents to RSVP their child by emailing him at AutismManaCO@gmail.com.

Stay up to date with the latest local news, sports, and investigations by downloading the KRDO13 app. Click here to download it from the Apple App Store. Android users can download it from Google Play here.