Pacific University’s Physical Therapy Program Participates in Hillsboro School District’s Healthy Kids Track Meet
After wrapping up final exams for the year, eight Pacific University students and alumna volunteered to help support Hillsboro School District’s Healthy Kids Track Meet in May. For the second year, more than 400 local 4th through 6th grade students gathered for a track meet at Hare Field, all participants in the Hillsboro Healthy Kids (HHK) afterschool track program. This program, sponsored by Providence Sports Medicine, provides students from schools in lower socioeconomic areas the opportunity to build their skills as track athletes.
Young athletes were able to put their practice to use competing in 100- and 400-meter dashes, long jump, and the turbo javelin throw.
Participants from the Physical Therapy Program included: Kira Hamamura (’20), Rachel Herron (’20), Marlyn Kato (’20), Ryann Lewis (’20), Bryan Llantero (’20), Jodie Miyamoto (’20), and Melanie Young (’20), along with alumna and adjunct faculty member, Dr. Talina Corvus (’12). They created an obstacle course for the athletes to challenge their balance, agility, and dual-task skills while having a good deal of fun. The Pacific volunteer team provided coaching, encouragement, and a set of obstacles that adapted to the needs of the athletes as many of them ran the course several time.
Support of this event is part of the mission of The Collective, the program’s diversity and social justice group, to be a presence for youth in their communities.