2012–2013 - College of Arts and Sciences - Nova Southeastern ...

“Providing the opportunity to practice skills while helping the community
improves students’ confidence and allows for greater learning. Service
learning integrates meaningful community service with instruction.”
Latham began training the team for competition on the
snow-covered slopes of the Special Olympics Southeast Winter
Games, held in February 2012 in North Carolina. His athletes
ranged in age from 15 to 25.
There were challenges—starting with teaching the team how to
properly wear and walk in the ski boots. “They freaked out the
first time they put on the skis,” Latham said. “When you latch
them in, there’s no movement. You have to re-learn to walk.”
—Tobin Silver, Ph.D., assistant professor, Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences
Latham worked with the skiers, guiding them through obstacle
courses and figure eights in the sand. Then it was time for his
team to master the ski slope, which, in this case, was a sand dune.
The dunes are about 15-feet high and steep enough to provide
the feeling of skiing, Latham said, adding that the hardest part
for him was teaching the athletes how to fall properly.
Latham quickly bonded with his team. “We’re not just there
to teach them to ski. We’re there to teach them how to lead,
[to teach] social skills, and [to promote] self-confidence,” he
said. Two of his team members were so successful that they are
expected to compete in the Special Olympics World Winter
Games in South Korea in January and February 2013.
Working with the Special Olympics was a natural fit with
Latham’s goals and academic experience. He taught the
athletes everything from proper training techniques—such as
doing a dynamic warm-up instead of a static stretch—to how
to properly use the ski equipment and select the correct attire.
“The Practicum in Exercise Science course is designed for students
like Kyle to take what they have learned in the classroom
and put it into practice,” said Tobin Silver, Ph.D., assistant professor
at the college. “Kyle did that with the Special Olympics.
He took the knowledge gained from his classes and applied
that to a real-world scenario.
“Kyle’s hands-on experience helped in multiple ways. He provided
improved structure for the Special Olympics programs.
He learned how to work with special populations to promote
health…and to see if this is the type of career he wants to pursue.
And he made an impact on the lives of many families.”
Latham hopes to combine his exercise and sport science training
with a Master of Business Administration degree and work
in product development for companies specializing in health
and wellness.
He’s also looking forward to coaching the Alpine Ski Team
again in 2013.
“The smile the athletes have on their faces coming down the
sand dunes is indescribable. It’s something I will never forget,”
Latham said.
David Colodney is a student in the college’s
Master of Arts in Writing degree program.
Farquhar Forum
15