Program for youth with disabilities offers summer session

April 23, 2012  


WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – PETE's PALs - Physical Education Teacher Educators Supporting Physical Activity, Learning, and Service - will host a five-week physical activity and aquatics program beginning June 14. 

PETE's PALs is a Purdue University-based program that focuses on physical activity and aquatics for youth with disabilities. Those ages 3-18 can work individually with a Purdue student-clinician to improve physical fitness, swimming, and water safety. Each child's program is designed to fit his or her needs.

"PETE's PALs fills a void in the local community," says K. Andrew Richards, the program's coordinator. "Motor and aquatic programming is hard to come by, and when parents do find options, they are usually fairly expensive. By providing a quality experience at a low cost, we are able to provide families with a viable option that is affordable."

The program is accepting applications for youth who are interested in the program. The cost is $30 per child. All sessions meet 6-8 p.m. each Thursday from June 14 to July 12 at Faith Community Center in Lafayette.

Program organizers also are looking for Purdue student clinicians who are interested in volunteering. Students will be paired one-on-one with a special needs student as they work throughout the five-week program.

"The program services a variety of Purdue students through service-learning and experimental education," Richards says. "Students are able to apply the knowledge and skills they learn in their courses while providing a terrific service to the community."

Applications are available for both youth and those interested in volunteering at http://www.purdue.edu/hhs/hk/petespals/index.html. For more information or to register, contact Richards at karichar@purdue.edu

PETE's PALs is sponsored by the Department of Health and Kinesiology and coordinated with Faith Community Center.

Writer: Rebekah Piotrowicz, 765-496-3006, rpiotrow@purdue.edu

Source: K. Andrew Richards, karichar@purdue.edu

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