This summer, a group of students from the Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMUoHP) Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program volunteered at the annual Special Olympics Utah in Salt Lake City. The students were in charge of the athlete wellness tents, where they provided health screenings, training education, therapeutic stretching, and supported athletes in their events.
Among the volunteers were 10 students and two DPT faculty, Dr. Miriam Cortez-Cooper and Dr. Coral Gubler. DPT student Sam Metz, the Class Service Chair, organized the service activity for students and faculty. Metz shared, “Being able to help out at this event was an amazing experience and I felt we were able to make a difference in these special athletes’ lives. We have such awesome students and faculty that wanted to be involved with these athletes and help support them. It was such a great experience seeing the happiness and motivation of these athletes and being able to experience the day with them.”
Lori Sisk, RMUoHP’s Director of Student and Alumni Affairs, stated, “Sam (Metz) is a stellar Service Chair within the DPT 10 Class Leadership and serves as an excellent example of commitment to the University’s Core Value of service – to his profession, the community, and the University.” In a personal note to the students, RMUoHP President Richard Nielsen commented, “Your involvement in this event…will have far-reaching impact on a multitude of people in many dimensions that we might not even consider, not to mention memories of what you did for those who participated that will accompany you throughout your entire personal and professional lives.”
Author Talia Blatter
