One day each year, students of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the University of Central Florida invite children with disabilities and their families to participate in Let’s Ignite at Memory Mall on April 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
DPT students are hosting the event for children, ages from 5 to 21, with physical and developmental issues.
“My students, oh my goodness, they spend months planning [for the event]," said Jennifer Tucker, a member of the physical therapy program. "They get the community’s support and financial support. Overall, they do a phenomenal job making sure everything is ready. It is a fun and safe event for everybody."
DPT students are advertising the event and have activities planned for children to keep active, including soccer, throwing stations, chalk for the sidewalk …show more content…
“After the actual event, there is a medal ceremony and each kid gets a medal. [Last year] I was a blubbering mess. They deserved that medal and every one of their smiles made my day. As DPT students and future professionals, we saw the need [in our community] and wanted to give back,” Toubman said.
Toubman as well as Clayton Stocker, sophomore DPT student, are helping coordinate the event.
“I try not to put expectations. I just want it to be an event that families are happy about and excited for. I want parents to see their children having a lot of fun and feel good about that,” Stocker said.
Stocker emphasized that this event is not only helpful for children, but family members also get a break. Each child is paired with a DPT student so busy parents can sit back and relax while their children keep active.
“To promote health and wellness is the purpose of the event. Not only are we giving a fun day, but are showing how you can adapt active games into their home life, by going outside or being active,” Toubman
DPT students are hosting the event for children, ages from 5 to 21, with physical and developmental issues.
“My students, oh my goodness, they spend months planning [for the event]," said Jennifer Tucker, a member of the physical therapy program. "They get the community’s support and financial support. Overall, they do a phenomenal job making sure everything is ready. It is a fun and safe event for everybody."
DPT students are advertising the event and have activities planned for children to keep active, including soccer, throwing stations, chalk for the sidewalk …show more content…
“After the actual event, there is a medal ceremony and each kid gets a medal. [Last year] I was a blubbering mess. They deserved that medal and every one of their smiles made my day. As DPT students and future professionals, we saw the need [in our community] and wanted to give back,” Toubman said.
Toubman as well as Clayton Stocker, sophomore DPT student, are helping coordinate the event.
“I try not to put expectations. I just want it to be an event that families are happy about and excited for. I want parents to see their children having a lot of fun and feel good about that,” Stocker said.
Stocker emphasized that this event is not only helpful for children, but family members also get a break. Each child is paired with a DPT student so busy parents can sit back and relax while their children keep active.
“To promote health and wellness is the purpose of the event. Not only are we giving a fun day, but are showing how you can adapt active games into their home life, by going outside or being active,” Toubman