UCF’s physical therapy program will host a free event to encourage physical activity in children with a developmental disability. The program will sponsor \u201cLet\u2019s Ignite! Building Better Bodies\u201d on April 19, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at UCF\u2019s Memory Mall, across from the CFE Arena.<\/p>\n
Children must be 5 to 18 years old and accompanied by a parent or caregiver to participate. The children will engage in activities with UCF physical therapy students; UCF\u2019s mascot, Knightro; members of Orlando City Soccer and other volunteers.<\/p>\n
\u201cChildren with special needs aren\u2019t always encouraged to exercise for fear they\u2019ll hurt themselves,\u201d said Jennifer Tucker, a member of the physical therapy faculty and board-certified pediatric clinical specialist. \u201cWe want to give these children an opportunity to explore physical fitness in a really fun environment.\u201d<\/p>\n
Playing along with the children and volunteers will be UCF students working toward a doctorate in physical therapy. Tucker will be the faculty advisor to the students during the event.<\/p>\n
\u201cMany sports and physical activities can be modified for children with special needs,\u201d Tucker added. \u201cThis will be a great opportunity for parents, caregivers and our students to learn how to modify activities so they\u2019re appropriate for the child and still improve fitness.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cLet\u2019s Ignite! Building Better Bodies\u201d will begin with warm-up activities with Knightro, followed by activities that promote gross motor skills such as throwing, kicking, jumping and running. They will include\u00a0soccer-themed activities, relay races and corn-bag tossing games.<\/p>\n
The event will conclude with a ceremony held by Medals4Mettle, a nonprofit organization that awards metals donated by athletes to children and adults with disabilities. Each child who participates will receive a medal attached to a Medals4Mettle ribbon.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re excited to offer this opportunity for children with disabilities,\u201d Tucker said. \u201cWe hope to make it an annual event as a way to give back to the community.\u201d<\/p>\n
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