By Luisana Castillo Sierra
A local gym has become a beacon of hope for families seeking a supportive and empowering environment for their children. SOFLO Ninja Academy, owned by Parkland residents Mayda and Leo Gordon, began as a place where kids and adults could challenge themselves on American Ninja Warrior-inspired obstacle courses. However, the gym has taken on a much deeper meaning for the Gordons, thanks to their daughter Emma, whose remarkable journey has inspired the entire community.
Emma, now eight years old, was born three months premature and faced significant developmental challenges from the start. Walking, something most children do naturally, was an uphill battle for Emma. While her peers were running, jumping, and climbing, Emma struggled to take even a few steps without wobbling. Though doctors prescribed physical therapy to help her build strength, the challenges seemed overwhelming.
“At the age of two, during one of Emma’s therapy sessions, I asked the therapist for his honest opinion,” Mayda recalls. “He told me that, in his experience, he didn’t think she would ever walk.”
This prognosis was heartbreaking for the Gordons, but they refused to give up hope. When Mayda and Leo opened SOFLO Ninja Academy, they enrolled Emma in classes, hoping to give her a fun way to stay active. The gym’s obstacle courses, however, proved to be a turning point in Emma’s journey. The challenges of balancing on mats, climbing walls, and navigating obstacles sparked something inside her.
The progress Emma made was nothing short of miraculous. She went from barely standing on her own to walking around the gym by herself. The gym’s encouraging environment brought out a newfound confidence in her.
“She started asking when we could go to the gym instead of asking when therapy would be over,” Mayda shares. “It was incredible to see how much she loved it and how quickly she started improving. She was getting stronger, more coordinated, and most importantly, she was having fun.”
The change in Emma was a revelation for the Gordons. They realized SOFLO Ninja Academy wasn’t just a gym—it was a place where children like Emma could find strength, both physically and emotionally. Inspired by Emma’s progress, the Gordons decided to expand their gym’s mission by launching a nonprofit initiative called Mental Referee, in hopes to soon specialized classes for children with disabilities.
“We want every child to experience what Emma has,” Leo explains. “The obstacles in the gym aren’t just physical challenges; they’re opportunities for kids to discover what they’re capable of. And for children with disabilities, that sense of accomplishment is even more powerful.”
Through Mental Referee, the Gordons hope to reach more families and provide a supportive, inclusive environment where every child can thrive. Emma’s journey has already touched many hearts. Parents who bring their children to SOFLO Ninja Academy often find themselves inspired by her determination and joy. Her story is a reminder that with the right environment, every child can overcome challenges and reach new heights.
As SOFLO Ninja Academy continues to grow, the Gordons remain committed to their vision of creating a space where all children, regardless of their abilities, can find confidence and community. Emma’s journey is at the heart of this mission, showing that with love, support, and a little bit of adventure, anything is possible. What began as a family business is now a place of hope and inspiration, where Emma’s story is just the beginning.
For more information, please visit www.SoFloNinja.com or call 954-876-1378.
