Modifying movements

An Adaptive Physical Education and Recreation course is being offered to 18 Wright State University students majoring in sports science and health and physical education.

The class has partnered with the Greene County Board of Developmental Disabilities to provide 10 hour-long workouts for almost a dozen individuals who signed up for the program.

“We are providing physical activities for individuals with disabilities and getting our students interacting,” said Kim Smith, adjunct faculty in kinesiology and health.

Every week, each Wright State student plans five adaptable activities for the participants to try during their workout. Students have organized soccer, basketball, scooter racing, whiffle ball, hopscotch and various throwing and stretching activities along with manipulating a large parachute. The exercises are adaptable and can quickly change depending on the participants’ interests or abilities.

Zora Boddie, a junior majoring in sports science, said she has enjoyed teaching the participants activities they have not been able to do before.

“It’s a joy walking in here,” Boddie said.

Kaitlin McCarty-Gehring, a junior majoring in sports science, said it has been awesome watching her partner develop each week.

“Two weeks ago, he couldn’t scooter at all by pushing his legs and now he’s pushing himself and racing,” McCarty-Gehring said.

The program has been limited to Greene County residents, but Smith anticipates it will expand in the near future.

“Just over the past couple of days I’ve received emails from individuals from Montgomery County that are wanting to come and participate as well,” she said.

The 10-week sessions began on Sept. 7 with activities in the Nutter Center’s McLin Gym and will wrap up on Nov. 16 in the Student Union pool.