IMG_4416The Chapman Student Physical Therapy Organization has been busy working to connect Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Students with community service opportunities. So far this fall the organization has participated in two service opportunities

On Saturday November 8, DPT students sponsored a first aid and stretching station at the first annual Tour del Toro bike/run benefit for the Boys and Girls Club of Lake Forest. The team of volunteers from the physical therapy program included Devin Duval, Bryan Loupy, Sewdaye Elaine, Katelyn Morgan, and Aly Anderson who provided participants with stretching, addressing  aches and pains, and education. Participants were very appreciative of the warms up prior to their event and having their questions answered of concern. Participants were educated on proper postural control/alignments, stretching, and exercises. The benefit ran throughout the morning starting with a 62 mile bike, followed by a 25 mile bike, 5K run, 1K kids run, and a kids bike safety rodeo. There were many sponsors and vendors in attendance to support the Boys and Girls club and provide an optimal experience for all first time participants. The students enjoyed the experience of providing service for the community of Lake Forest and promote Chapman Physical Therapy.

On Saturday November 15, a group of DPT students met at the Rinker Campus to work with clinical coordinators from Special Olympics to learn the procedures for conducting FUNfitness assessments at the Special Olympics Gams. FUNfitness is part of the broader Healthy Athletes project through Special Olympics. Physical Therapists and PT students provide free fitness screenings and assessments for Special Olympics athletes at the local, national and world games. The Chapman DPT students are currently preparing to work at the Southern California Special Olympics Fall Games that will be held December 12-14 in Irvine and Fountain Valley. The current training and working at the Fall Games will help prepare the DPT students to serve at the Special Olympics World Games that will be held in Los Angeles this summer.

Volunteering with Special Olympics provides opportunities for DPT students to learn to work with athletes with special needs. Additionally the students gain a broader experience in the work of physical therapists in prevention and wellness. Chapman DPT students have been working with the FUNfitness component of Special Olympics since 2012 under the guidance of faculty coordinator Sara Gilliland.

Links with more information:

Tour del Toro: http://www.tourdeltoro.org/

FUNfitness information: http://www.specialolympics.org/Sections/What_We_Do/Healthy_Athletes/Healthy_Athletes_FUNfitness.aspx

Special Olympics Fall Games: http://www.sosc.org/fallgames

Special Olympics World Games: http://www.la2015.org/