Rock the Gym --- 2011
Posted: Tuesday, November 8, 2011 3:09 pm | Updated: 4:01 pm, Tue Nov 8, 2011.
By MICAH MOORE Staff Writer [email protected]
On Tuesday, Tarleton State University hosted the fourth annual Rock the Gym - one of several programs designed for children with mental and physical disabilities. "I have never witnessed something as fabulous as Rock the Gym before," said Tarleton senior Lora English. "I love seeing all the kids come in to have a good time and knowing that I played a part in something small that could potentially change their lives or just make their day."
Tarleton kinesiology students customize the activities - from bowling to football to leap frog - for each child's individual impairment and need. "This is one of the only events where every single activity is modified to fit each individual disability," said Dr. Kayla Peak, kinesiology professor.
It takes many volunteers to provide the special attention Tarleton students give to the more than 130 students at the event. "For our students, this is their opportunity to take all of that knowledge they've learned in the classroom - from the books, from the lecture and from the notes - and apply that learning to a real world experience with kids with disabilities," Peak said.
Tarleton students said Rock the Gym is more than a class lesson. "It's been nothing short of amazing to see these kids laugh and giggle and plow through boxes, this is fun!" said Jeff Dillard, a senior Tarleton student. "We are having just as much fun as they are."
By MICAH MOORE Staff Writer [email protected]
On Tuesday, Tarleton State University hosted the fourth annual Rock the Gym - one of several programs designed for children with mental and physical disabilities. "I have never witnessed something as fabulous as Rock the Gym before," said Tarleton senior Lora English. "I love seeing all the kids come in to have a good time and knowing that I played a part in something small that could potentially change their lives or just make their day."
Tarleton kinesiology students customize the activities - from bowling to football to leap frog - for each child's individual impairment and need. "This is one of the only events where every single activity is modified to fit each individual disability," said Dr. Kayla Peak, kinesiology professor.
It takes many volunteers to provide the special attention Tarleton students give to the more than 130 students at the event. "For our students, this is their opportunity to take all of that knowledge they've learned in the classroom - from the books, from the lecture and from the notes - and apply that learning to a real world experience with kids with disabilities," Peak said.
Tarleton students said Rock the Gym is more than a class lesson. "It's been nothing short of amazing to see these kids laugh and giggle and plow through boxes, this is fun!" said Jeff Dillard, a senior Tarleton student. "We are having just as much fun as they are."