Alika Zaiba Putri kini berusia 4,5 tahun. Ia terlahir dengan Down Syndrome dan beberapa kondisi bawaan, seperti dua lubang di jantung, gangguan tiroid, serta masalah pada paru-paru yang membutuhkan perhatian khusus. Sejak kecil, Alika rutin menjalani terapi dan hingga kini masih harus mengonsumsi obat setiap hari. Meski begitu, bukan menjadi penghalang Alika untuk melakukan aktivitas seperti anak-anak lainnya.
Perjalanan Alika bersama SOIna bermula dari komunitas POTADS Bogor yang berkolaborasi dalam kegiatan Young Athletes pada Juli lalu. Kegiatan yang berlangsung di Pakansari ini mempertemukan banyak anak dengan kondisi serupa. Dari sanalah keluarga Alika mulai mengenal SOIna lebih dekat dan akhirnya memutuskan untuk bergabung.
Hingga saat ini, Alika memang belum bisa berbicara dengan lancar. Ia lebih banyak mengekspresikan diri melalui gerakan tubuh. Saat berada di suasana latihan, Alika berusaha meniru apa yang ia lihat, meskipun masih berupa gerakan-gerakan sederhana. Antusiasmenya terlihat jelas, bukan hanya saat latihan, bahkan antusiasme itu ia bawa sampai ke rumah dengan mengulang kembali gerakan-gerakan saat latihan di rumah.
Sebelumnya, Alika belum terlalu tertarik pada aktivitas fisik. Banyak hal yang ia tolak untuk dicoba. Bahkan untuk berjalan di permukaan yang tidak rata saja, ia sering minta digendong. Namun setelah beberapa kali mengikuti latihan, perlahan keberaniannya mulai tumbuh. Kini, dengan pendampingan orang tua dan pelatih, Alika sudah mau mencoba melewati halang rintang, mengikuti gerakan apa yang dicontohkan pelatih yang mana itu sesuatu yang dulu terasa sangat sulit baginya.
Belajar Fokus dan Bersosialisasi
Salah satu tantangan terbesar Alika adalah fokus dan konsentrasi. Saat latihan di GOR, ia belum bisa sepenuhnya mengikuti arahan. Jika tidak didampingi, Alika masih sering berlari ke sana kemari atau duduk sambil menikmati lagu yang diputar oleh pelatih. Karena itu, kehadiran orang tua dan coach menjadi sangat penting untuk membantunya tetap merasa aman dan nyaman.
Dalam hal bersosialisasi, Alika juga masih terus belajar. Kadang ia menghampiri teman-temannya, kadang bereaksi spontan dengan gerakan refleks. Meski belum sepenuhnya terarah, setiap interaksi kecil menjadi langkah awal yang berarti dalam proses belajarnya mengenal lingkungan sosial.
Perkembangan Alika tentu tidak lepas dari peran keluarga. Di rumah, sang ibu dengan sabar melanjutkan latihan-latihan sederhana untuk membantu melatih keseimbangan dan keberanian Alika dalam bergerak dengan menggunakan alat-alat sederhana.
Dukungan Keluarga, Kekuatan Terbesar
Tak hanya ibu, kakak Alika pun hadir sebagai pendamping setia. Menggandeng tangan adiknya, mengejar saat Alika berlari, mengarahkan dengan sabar. Dukungan keluarga menjadi pondasi yang menguatkan setiap langkah kecil Alika. Baginya, yang terpenting adalah kenyamanan. Jika hari ini Alika belum bisa, tidak apa-apa. Besok atau lusa pun tak masalah. Yang penting, ia terus mencoba.
Ruang Aman untuk Tumbuh
Keputusan sang ibu untuk terus mengikutsertakan Alika dalam Program Young Athletes bukan hanya karena lokasinya yang dekat dari rumah, tetapi juga karena rasa aman dan nyaman yang mereka rasakan. Berada di lingkungan dengan anak-anak yang memiliki kebutuhan serupa membuat Alika dan keluarganya merasa diterima apa adanya.
Lingkungan SOIna menjadi ruang aman, bukan hanya bagi Alika, tetapi juga bagi orang tuanya. Ruang di mana tidak ada perbandingan. Tidak ada tuntutan.
Selama tubuhnya sehat, sang ibu berjanji akan terus mendampingi. Dengan satu prinsip sederhana: pelan-pelan tidak apa-apa, asalkan terus berjalan.
Alika bukan hanya seorang anak dengan Down syndrome. Bagi keluarga, ia adalah bidadari kecil, perjuangan, sahabat, dan cinta tanpa syarat. Dengan irama sederhana dan langkah-langkah kecil, Alika mengajarkan bahwa tumbuh bukan soal seberapa cepat, tetapi seberapa tulus kita menemani prosesnya.
Alika Zaiba Putri is now 4.5 years old. She was born with Down syndrome and several congenital conditions, including two holes in her heart, a thyroid disorder, and lung complications that require special medical attention. Since early childhood, Alika has routinely undergone therapy and continues to take daily medication. Even so, these conditions have never become a barrier for her to take part in activities like other children.
Alika’s journey with SOIna began through the POTADS Bogor community, which collaborated in a Young Athletes program last July. The activity, held at Pakansari, brought together many children with similar conditions. It was there that Alika’s family first became acquainted with SOIna and eventually decided to join
To this day, Alika is not yet able to speak fluently. She expresses herself mostly through body movements. During training sessions, she tries to imitate what she sees, even if the movements are still simple. Her enthusiasm is clearly visible. not only during practice, but also at home, where she repeatedly performs the movements she learned during training.
Previously, Alika showed little interest in physical activity. She often refused to try new things, and even walking on uneven surfaces made her ask to be carried. However, after attending several training sessions, her confidence slowly began to grow. With the support of her parents and coaches, Alika is now willing to try obstacle activities and follow the movements demonstrated by the coachessomething that once felt very difficult for her.
Learning to Focus and Socialize
One of Alika’s biggest challenges is focus and concentration. During training sessions at the sports hall, she is not yet able to fully follow instructions. Without assistance, Alika often runs around or sits quietly near the speakers, enjoying the music played by the coaches. For this reason, the presence of parents and coaches is essential in helping her feel safe and comfortable.
In terms of social interaction, Alika is also still learning. At times she approaches her peers, while at other moments she reacts spontaneously with reflex movements. Although not yet fully directed, every small interaction becomes a meaningful first step in her process of learning to socialize.
Alika’s development cannot be separated from the role of her family. At home, her mother patiently continues simple exercises to help improve Alika’s balance and courage in movement, using everyday household items.
Family Support, the Greatest Strength
In addition to her mother, Alika’s older sibling also plays an important role as a devoted companion. Holding her hand, chasing after her when she runs, and gently guiding her with patience. This family support forms a strong foundation that strengthens every small step Alika takes. For her family, comfort is what matters most. If today Alika is not yet able to do something, that is okay. Tomorrow or the next day is also fine—as long as she keeps trying.
A Safe Space to Grow
The decision to continue enrolling Alika in the Young Athletes Program was not only based on the program’s close proximity to their home, but also on the sense of safety and comfort it provides. Being in an environment with children who have similar needs allows Alika and her family to feel accepted just as they are.
SOIna has become a safe space, not only for Alika, but also for her parents. A place with no comparisons and no pressure.
As long as her body remains healthy, her mother is committed to continuing this journey alongside her. Guided by one simple principle: moving slowly is perfectly fine, as long as the journey continues.
Alika is not just a child with Down syndrome. She is a little angel, a source of strength, a companion, and an unconditional love. Through simple rhythms and small steps, Alika reminds us that growth is not about how fast we move, but about how sincerely we walk alongside the process.