Richmond’s Sirota’s Alchymy – a martial arts and life skills centre – has received the Business of the Year award at the first ever B.C. Excellence in Autism Awards.
Launched this year, the awards aim to bring the autism community together and recognize and reward professionals, self-advocates, volunteers and businesses that have advocated for an inclusive society where people on the autism spectrum can reach their full potential. The awards were presented in Richmond at the Goodlife Fitness Family Autism Hub on Friday, April 20.
Sirota’s Alchymy, which also has a centre in Vancouver, has offered programs for children, youth and adults with autism since 2000. Through martial arts, Sirota’s Alchymy has worked with more than 2,000 participants – some who are non-verbal or struggle with anxiety, behaviour or socializing.
The program, which began as a pilot project, has grown to local and international recognition. Master Michael Sirota, who leads the centre, has used therapeutic martial arts programs in more than 30 countries. Not only do his classes teach martial arts and self-defence, but they also instill values that the children can use in their daily lives.
Autism can affect a person's challenges with social, speech and communication skills. According to the National Autism Spectrum Disorder Surveillance System, one in 66 children in Canada will be diagnosed with autism.
