Fall 2015 Perspectives

28 • NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY FORT LAUDERDALE gave—gratitude, hope, love, and friendship— and the realization that in life, everyone has something to give and to receive.” Students also felt rewarded by the experience. According to Alban, “It has been an amazing experience putting many of the skills learned in the classroom into practice working with our Special Olympics team. It brought me great satisfaction seeing our team work hard, succeed in competition, and create new friendships.” “One of my favorite things about this expe- rience was seeing how much confidence the participants gained,” said Lyke. “During the first day of practice, hardly anyone would talk to one another, and I could see the hesitation while performing the exercises. After only a few practices, however, they would run to meet the rest of the group and couldn’t wait to start running. It was heartwarming to see everyone cheering and congratulating each other during the events.” “It was great to be able to work with the young athletes for more than a month,” added Morales. “They all were eager each and every day to train and improve. Not only was it amazing to see improvements in all aspects, but also to see the joy they all expressed after receiving their ribbons. It was priceless.” Tovin and Simoes plan to continue the training program next season, but intend to add an interprofessional component by involving faculty members and stu- dents from other college departments. n The weather was sunny and clear for a day at the park during the Seventh Annual Boating and Beach Bash for People with Disabilities, held March 21 at Spanish River Park in Boca Raton. According to the group’s website (boatingbeachbash.com ) , “The bash has grown to become the largest free fun day in America for children, adults, and Purple Heart recipients with physical and or intellec- tual challenges and their caregivers.” As a start to their spring break, first- and second-year physical therapy students served as bash volunteers in collaboration with the therapy staff of the college’s community partner— Pinecrest Rehabilitation of Delray Medical Center. In the park, participants were able to explore vendor booths, visit exhibitors, and join in the fun-zone activities. “During the little bit of free time we had, I perused some of the vendors,” said second-year student Joshua Pietzke. “It was interesting to see some of the inventions, products, and animals aimed at making lives easier.” The first-year students assisted with an obstacle course, engaging and cheering on participants to complete tasks, and encouraging physical participation. To keep the participants’ spirits up, several students even volunteered to dress up as superhero characters. “We were surprised by how much fun we had greeting people and bringing smiles to their faces,” said first-year student Susan Valdes. Free boat rides up and down the Intracoastal Waterway were the highlight of the day. The second-year students assisted both the participants and their caregivers to get safely on and off the boats, under the supervision of Lisa D. Quillan, PT, a Pinecrest Rehabilitation physical therapist, and NSU faculty members Jennifer Canbek, Ph.D., PT, NCS, and Kim B. Smith, D.P.T., PT. Students Participate in Boating and Beach Bash for People with Disabilities BY KIM SMITH, D.P.T., ASSISTANT PROFESSOR