Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students and athletes from Special Olympics Vermont joined forces last spring on activities that gave the students practice in clinical skills while engaging the Olympians, physically and socially. Vermont news media highlighted the collaboration in interviews with the students and athletes.

UVM has long collaborated with Special Olympics Vermont to provide free health screenings and education for athletes. The collaboration allows DPT students to gain increased understanding of people with intellectual disabilities while the athletes participate in fun fitness activities to improve their health and wellbeing. Typically, the interaction occurs in person during Special Olympics games.

To keep that connection going during the pandemic, the two sides developed a new, virtual event called the Special Triple Combine Fitness Challenge. The 10-week at-home competition encouraged athletes to pick three exercises to keep active and healthy, earning points along the way. Forty first-year and second-year DPT students checked in on the more than 100 athletes through video conferencing.

Students and faculty spoke with WCAX channel 3 in Vermont about their experience training the athletes.

“Overall, it’s just really great to interact with them and see them progress through these past couple of weeks,” student Carolyn Snell told reporter Scott Fleishman.

The experience gave students a chance to practice telemedicine and communication skills, said professor Paula Smith.

“It’s just been a win for the students in their learning. ... and we’ve all have that goal of promoting the health outcomes of these young, very fit athletes,” Smith said.

See the story on the WCAX website.

Read more in Vermont Business magazine.