Training and therapy – with FH support at the Special Olympics

“I want to win! But if I can’t win, then I’ll try bravely! ”- this is what mentally impaired athletes swear at the biennial Special Olympics, which will take place in Oberwart and Pinkafeld in 2022. The FH Burgenland will prepare the Burgenland participants.

80 aspiring physiotherapists will develop personalized training and therapy units in the coming months in order to gain experience not only in the field of sport, but above all in working with people with special needs. It is about competition preparation, therapy and massage, but also regeneration measures after the exhibition. The athletes can increase their physical performance and minimize the risk of injury. The project partners are the Pro mente Burgenland clubs and the Dornau team, who run inclusive sports projects and can pass on a lot of their experience to the students at the University of Applied Sciences. “Practical experience and empathy play an essential part in the course”, emphasizes project manager Marlene Szupper from the University of Applied Sciences Burgenland. The starting shot took place online. The competitions are held in 19 disciplines and therefore offer a wide range of different challenges. The Special Olympics are taking place for the eighth time, 2400 participants and trainers from Germany and abroad are expected. The first event took place online due to corona, but will hopefully soon be continued in real training programs.
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