The J-TAC

Issue date: 11/20/08 Section: Campus Life

Media Credit: Caitlin Fuquay 118 students from 12 area schools participated in Tarleton's first annual Rock the Gym event.

More than 100 special needs children from 12 area school districts packed the south gym of Wisdom Gym this week for Tarleton's first Rock the Gym event.

Rock the Gym was designed to give children with special needs a change to experience a typical school dance, said Dr. Kayla Peak, a Tarleton professor and director of the event.

"I thought it was great, all the children were smiling, laughing and just having a good time," Peak said.

Peak said 118 students within a 75-mile radius around Stephenville came to the event. The event was run by more than 175 student volunteers, who got something out of it as well. Rock the Gym promoted a real-world learning experience for students majoring in Health and Physical Education.

Will Hooper, a Physical Education major said the event will help him with his career in the future as a coach.

"The event was amazing, these kids should have more events like this one," he said. "It provided me with the experience and interaction that I need to help me in the future, it was a good event for everyone."

These HPE students helped with the organization and preparation of Rock the Gym. They helped create the atmosphere by selecting music, designing and building the games and activities and serving as "buddies" for the participants.

The Purple Poo also participated in Rock the Gym

"They are always so great; they really made the event" Peak said.

Rock the Gym also served as a service learning project for HPE majors and Peak is already looking to next years event.

"I want to make it bigger and better next year. It was a great success-everyone seemed to click," Peak said.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools