Future PE Teachers Gain Hands-On Experience at Special Olympics Unified Sports Day

AMES, Ia. — On Friday, over 150 athletes from across central Iowa gathered in the gymnasia of Forker Building, home of Iowa State University’s Department of Kinesiology and Health, as part of Special Olympics Unified Sports Day.

The event also marked the culminating event for students in assistant teaching professor Allie Wulfekuhle’s Adapted Physical Education course who are studying to be physical education teachers.

 “Throughout the semester, students learned to design lessons and activities for individuals with disabilities,” said Wulfekuhle.  “This experience offered authentic opportunities to engage with dynamic learners, adapting and modifying activities so all students can enjoy physical activity.”

Athletes from as far as Prairie City were accompanied by over 100 peers and staff and participated in activities such as basketball, cornhole, bowling, and tee ball.

The event reminded Bryce Aspengren, a senior majoring in Liberal Arts and a student in Wulfekuhle’s class, just how important physical activity is.

“Overall, the event brought me a lot of joy by seeing just how much the athletes were enjoying each sport they were participating in,” said Aspengren. “The athletes brought an excitement for the games that reminded me just how much fun it can be to participate in physical activity regardless of your ability! “