Special Olympics Northern California partnered with William Jessup University in Rocklin for a six-week fitness season last fall.
The fitness season was open to local Special Olympics athletes and organized by the William Jessup University Kinesiology Department. It allowed students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with training and performance for people with intellectual disabilities, and was a fun and engaging program for our athletes.
“It’s a whole new skill set for me,” said Taylor McCuish, a kinesiology student at William Jessup University. “I’m having to find ways to communicate with the athletes and work with them in a way that, most populations I wouldn’t necessarily have to. But it’s been good. It’s been growing for me as a coach, and it’s been a lot of fun.”
Mary Wurster, a parent of a Special Olympics athlete, said that the season was great way for athletes to stay active and improve their physical health and overall well-being. She explained that it’s a win-win for both the athletes and the students.
“They’re making friends, they’re developing some relationships, and having the students as their coaches… it’s more like peers. It’s kind of a learning experience for both. They learn from each other.”
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Stay up-to-date with our Health & Wellness activities by visiting SONC.org/athome.
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