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Eleven students from ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program recently volunteered at the Kentucky Special Olympics FUNfitness event, providing health screenings, wellness education, and physical therapy support for athletes across the state.

The experience allowed students to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world setting while helping Special Olympics athletes improve physical health, reduce injury risk, and maximize participation in sports and daily activities.

What Is Special Olympics FUNfitness?

FUNfitness is Special Olympics' physical therapy discipline and one of the organization's . Since 2003, the initiative has provided athletes with screenings, education, and resources designed to improve flexibility, strength, balance, aerobic fitness, and overall physical wellness.

During the event, ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ DPT students assisted with assessments and provided individualized recommendations for athletes.

"The ultimate goal was to help athletes maximize their participation in sports, reduce the risk of injury, and enhance their quality of life through physical activity and healthy living," said Steve Hammons, DPT, professor and director of clinical education at ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½.

Physical Therapy Students Gain Real-World Clinical Experience

As future healthcare professionals, students were responsible for conducting assessments, explaining results, encouraging athletes, and helping identify strategies to support long-term health and physical activity.

Faculty members supervised the screenings, ensuring students could safely apply clinical skills while developing confidence in patient communication and assessment techniques.

"Experiences like the FUNfitness event provide students with valuable opportunities to apply classroom knowledge and clinical skills in a real-world setting," Hammons said. "Students gained hands-on experience performing assessments, communicating with individuals from diverse backgrounds, and adapting their approach to meet the unique needs of each athlete."

The event also exposed students to the diverse populations physical therapists serve throughout their careers.

Building Relationships Through Service

While the experience strengthened clinical competencies, students said the personal connections they formed with athletes made the greatest impact.

"Volunteering at the FUNfitness event gave all of us an opportunity for real-world application, but it was the big smiles and laughs from the athletes that will have me signing up again next year," said Andrew Reedy, a student in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

For Tristian Dotson, the event represented an opportunity to continue a tradition of service.

"This was my second year being part of FUNfitness and representing the ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ DPT program," Dotson said. "Each year, my classmates and I make new friends we hope to see again. It's always a day full of laughter, learning, and interacting with athletes who truly love being active and competitive."

How Community Service Shapes Future Physical Therapists

According to Hammons, service-learning opportunities are an important part of preparing students for successful careers in physical therapy.

"Physical therapy extends beyond the walls of a clinic," Hammons said. "Through events like FUNfitness, students develop into well-rounded healthcare professionals who recognize their responsibility to contribute positively to society while serving others with excellence and integrity."

Participation in Kentucky Special Olympics FUNfitness reflects ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½' commitment to servant leadership, hands-on learning, and preparing graduates to make meaningful contributions in healthcare and their communities.

What Makes the ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ DPT Program Different?

The Doctor of Physical Therapy program at ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ combines rigorous academics with extensive clinical education, community engagement, and professional development opportunities.

"The ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ DPT program provides students with far more than classroom instruction," Hammons said.

Throughout the program, students participate in clinical placements, service-learning projects, professional networking opportunities, and experiential learning activities designed to prepare them for success as licensed physical therapists.

"Our goal is to graduate physical therapists who are not only clinically competent but also committed to serving others and making a positive difference in their communities," Hammons added.

The Kentucky Special Olympics FUNfitness event is one example of how ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ students gain hands-on experience while serving others, developing professional skills, and preparing for impactful careers in physical therapy.