Building Inclusive Communities Through Play
The School of Health & Kinesiology (H&K) recently made a meaningful impact on children in the community by partnering with Special Olympics Nebraska to pilot the UNO Young Athletes program on campus.
- contact: College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences
- email: unocehhs@unomaha.edu
H&K Associate Professor Dr. Michaela Schenkelberg helped bring the UNO Young Athletes program to campus
During his final semester Kinesiology alumnus and physical therapy student Tom Rapaich served as a student coach for the UNO Young Athletes program
Dr. Jessica Baldwin engages with a child during an activity in the UNO Young Athletes program
A teen Special Olympics volunteer interacts with a child during the UNO Young Athletes program
H&K faculty, students, and participants have fun during the UNO Young Athletes program
The School of Health & Kinesiology (H&K) recently made a meaningful impact on children in the community by partnering with Special Olympics Nebraska to pilot the UNO Young Athletes program on campus. Designed for children ages 3-5, this inclusive program created a supportive environment where kids, regardless of ability, could develop motor skills, socialize, and enjoy physical activity. Held over eight weeks during the summer at the H&K Building, the program was free for Omaha-area families.
"Creating spaces where every child feels welcomed and supported is essential."
Young Athletes, a signature initiative of Special Olympics, is adaptable to various community settings, allowing coaches to tailor activities to each child’s needs. H&K Associate Professor Michaela Schenkelberg, Ph.D., MPH, whose passion for working with individuals with disabilities has shaped her career, was instrumental in bringing the program to UNO.
"Early childhood is a critical period of development. Establishing healthy habits and fundamental motor skills early on greatly impacts a child’s health and well-being as they grow," Dr. Schenkelberg said. "Creating spaces where every child feels welcomed and supported is essential. Even programs labeled as inclusive can sometimes overlook children with disabilities. Supporting all children strengthens families and fosters a true sense of belonging."
During each session, Dr. Schenkelberg was assisted by Special Olympics staff, volunteers, and H&K faculty, including Assistant Professor Jessica Baldwin, Ph.D. “Dr. Baldwin’s extensive experience with unified fitness has been invaluable. Her expertise in fitness programming, adaptations, and modifications ensures that all activities are engaging and accessible,” said Dr. Schenkelberg.
Additionally, the team collaborated with researchers at the UNO Biomechanics Research Building, using technology in the Gait Lab to assess the progress of the children’s motor skills, setting the stage for future research.
Kinesiology undergraduate student Tom Rapaich completed his internship through the program in his final semester, gaining firsthand experience with children and sparking his interest in specializing in pediatric physical therapy as he enters graduate school this fall.
"It was my first time being a primary coach, and the layout provided by the Young Athletes guide, along with feedback from faculty, made the experience both straightforward and fulfilling," Tom said. "Seeing the children’s enthusiasm, the friendships they developed, and their improvement over time was incredibly rewarding. I learned to think outside the box to make activities engaging and fun."
UNO Young Athletes has not only influenced Tom’s future career but also left a lasting, positive impact on the children. Dr. Schenkelberg fondly noted, “After the program, one of the participant’s parents sent me a picture of her son setting up their living room, pretending to be Coach Tom.”