Michael Shipper was diagnosed with a learning disability at four years old. While attending a school for children with learning disabilities, Michael was introduced to sports and fitness. It was while playing sports, Michael found his confidence and his passion in life. Despite being judged by his peers and teachers, Michael excelled at sports.
As Michael grew older, he realized that not all children have a confidence when it comes to athletics, and he wanted to change that. To help all children reach their athletic potential, Michael founded Empowered Sports and Fitness. Empowered Sports & Fitness’s mission is “to re-define play. Instead of expecting athletes to adhere to traditional rules and regulations, we adjust our teaching and coaching styles to meet the needs and wants of our athletes and their families.” Through his organization, Michael helps children find the sports they enjoy, by focusing less on competition and more on the aspect of play, where children have the environment to grow, learn, and find a passion for exercise.
Michael is a personal trainer, who holds a wide range of certificates including: ACE Certified Personal Trainer, IYCA Youth Fitness Specialist Levels 1-3, IYCA Youth Athletic Assessment Specialist, IYCA Youth Nutrition Specialist, NASM Performance Enhancement Specialist, NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist, NASM Group Training, CPR & AED, Concussion in Youth Fitness, and DIR 101 Certified (Developmental – Individual – Relationship-based), U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association. He has traveled the world, where he has spread his love for sports and fitness. Most of all, Michael is a teacher and a coach where his goal is to “enable anu child, regardless of ability or background, to have an active life through play and untimely develop a long-term love for exercise”.
