Concordia students work with Special Olympians

Concordia University, Nebraska’s physical education students are gaining first-hand experience working with students with special needs as the sixteen members of the Adapted Physical Activity class spend time assisting area Special Olympics athletes.

Every Thursday evening the students assist with basketball drills for shooting, dribbling and teamwork. “We also get to participate in some of the activities like playing 3-on-3 with some of the higher performing athletes,” said Keaton Sturm, one of the Concordia students currently working with the Special Olympians. Getting to know the athletes, according to Sturm, provides lessons that can’t be learned from any textbook.

Wendy Andersen, instructor for the Adapted Physical Activity course, has seen similar rewards for everyone involved. “Adding this experience directly to our class has been a tremendous benefit for the students and has enhanced this class experience beyond my imagination,” said Andersen.  “It has been very rewarding for me, the Special Olympians and their parents to see the relationships that have formed through this experience. It has been amazing and has taken the entire experience to a new level.”