A total of 80 prospective physiotherapists took part in the "Special Olympics Summer Games 2022" project on the initiative of programme director Heike Bauer-Horvath. In this guest article, they tell us how our students on the Bachelor's degree programme in Physiotherapy fared and what their experiences were.
As part of the 8th National Special Olympics Summer Games, which took place in Burgenland this June, we students from the Bachelor's degree programme in Physiotherapy were able to accompany some of the athletes on their way to the big event. From start to finish. Because we also had the task of carrying out regeneration measures in the form of massages and stretches on site in Oberwart. But first things first.
Being able to take part in the Special Olympics was a wonderful & unforgettable experience. One of the most touching moments was seeing the athletes beaming on the winners' podium. The positive charisma of the athletes was immediately transferred to me. Seeing how cheerful and happy they were made me grow as a person.
Theres Marakovits, Bachelor of Physiotherapy student
When we first got to know the athletes from the Pro Mente Burgenland association and Team Dornau during the kick-off event, we were able to ask them about their everyday lives, training and their path to sport. Shortly afterwards, the teams visited us at the University of Applied Sciences Burgenland in Pinkafeld.
In the "basic examination" course, we first conducted an anamnesis interview in small groups before carrying out a muscle function test and joint measurement appropriate to the type of sport. Based on this, a training plan specially tailored to the athletes was created with targeted exercises to prepare them in the best possible way for their season highlight - the Special Olympics.
I think we learnt a lot from each other, but what had the biggest impact on me was their positive attitude. I learnt from the athletes to always see the positive in everything and to appreciate even the little things.
Lena Kaiser, Bachelor of Physiotherapy student
We soon continued with the "Gait training and gait analysis" course, in which we analysed the individual gait patterns of the participants and tried to compensate for possible deficits with various exercises. A few weeks before the Summer Games, we wanted to prepare the teams mentally as well as possible. On another practice day at the Burgenland University of Applied Sciences, we therefore carried out breathing techniques, fantasy journeys and stretching exercises. Even though relaxation may be associated with rest, there was a lot of laughter on this day and everyone involved went home visibly satisfied and balanced.
We have extremely positive memories of these special project days due to the positive feedback and visible successes. Not only did we share the joy of movement, we also made new friends and acquaintances.
Now the big day had come for the athletes. The weather on the event days was on our side and everyone's spirits were at their peak. For us students, it was time to start looking after our massage station. We started the big day with an initial nervous feeling as to whether the participants would even show any time and interest in our station. But shortly after these initial doubts, the first rush arrived.
Thanks to the good cooperation among us students, we mastered the Summer Games as a team, gained new experiences and surpassed ourselves. Despite the strict timetable, we still had enough time after our massage sessions to take part in the action and cheer on all the applicants during their competitions.
The day of the event in particular will stay with me forever. The joy, ambition and not least the warmth that all the athletes radiated on their big day was unique and unforgettable for me.
Katharina Bauer , Bachelor of Physiotherapy student
To round off the project with another highlight, a big floorball tournament was organised this October with all participants from both teams and the physiotherapy degree programme. We students competed in seven teams with the Special Olympics athletes for the big win.
My highlight was the joie de vivre and the confidence with which the athletes met us. The project with Special Olympics as a whole was an incredibly valuable and instructive experience - not only for our professional future, but above all for our personal development.
Victoria Schindler, Bachelor of Physiotherapy student
The day was characterised by a lot of fighting spirit, fun and moments of success. And although there could only be one winning team at the tournament, it was clear by the time we got together afterwards that our reward was not so much the trophy or the medal, but rather the numerous experiences, unforgettable moments and memories.
For me personally, the project was a challenging but very exciting and enjoyable time. It was a unique opportunity to accompany the Special Olympics participants from the preparation to the day of the competition. Even though we were sometimes a bit challenged due to the huge rush to our massage station, it was all the better for me to see how all the students pulled together. Last but not least, I'm looking forward to more exciting projects during the course of our studies, where we can put our knowledge and skills to the test and surpass ourselves.
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