More than 30 physical therapy doctoral students from West Coast University spent part of their weekend this June volunteering at the Angel City Games in Los Angeles.
Led by associate professor Jacque Moore, the DPT students put their Prosthetics & Orthotics class teachings to good use by assisting athletes during the games, which were held this year at Cerritos College.
An annual three-day adaptive sports festival, the Angel City Games offer individuals of all ages and skill levels with a physical disability or mobility impairment the opportunity to compete in a variety of sports and special events.
“For most people in the class, it was their first time seeing adaptive sports,” WCU DPT student Aliza Capili said. “Their biggest takeaway was seeing all the different adaptive sports available to a variety of different physical abilities.”
The majority of the DPT students volunteered with track & field events, like wheelchair racing and 100-meter sprints, helping with transfers into the racing chairs and cheering on the athletes. Other students, Capili said, worked with individuals teaching kids and adults how to swim in the pool.
Students, who are preparing for an upcoming adaptive sports presentation in class, also had the opportunity to try out the sports chairs for wheelchair basketball and meet some Paralympians. Capili, who has some previous experience with adaptive athletes, was proud to grab a selfie with five-time wheelchair basketball Paralympian Matt Scott.
“It was great to see the community come together for this event and watch kids run with a prosthesis for the first time or get their own custom-fit sports chair,” Capili said. “Overall, it was a great experience and we had fun volunteering at this event.”
WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or position of the school or of any instructor or student.
Call
Info Session