PTA students, graduates, and faculty bring world-class clinical skills to the Special Olympics State Summer Classic — and leave inspired.
FORT PIERCE, Fla. (June 4, 2026) — The ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex buzzed with energy recently. The Special Olympics State Summer Classic brought together extraordinary athletes from across Florida. And Indian River State College (The River) showed up ready.
Current Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) students, graduates, and faculty volunteered at the event. They served alongside Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students from across the state. Licensed physical therapists and physical therapist assistants joined them too. Together, they gave these athletes something powerful: the gift of expert care.
On the Field: Screening for Greatness
The screenings focused on four key fitness areas for each Special Olympics athlete:
- Flexibility and range of motion
- Strength and muscular endurance
- Balance and coordination
- Aerobic fitness levels
In addition, the screenings gave athletes personalized insight into their own health and performance. Every reading, every assessment, every interaction mattered.
Rising Above: A Performance That Turns Heads
Multiple professionals at the event took notice. They recognized the clinical skills the Indian River State College team demonstrated. The compliments kept coming.
As a result, this event reinforced a powerful truth: Indian River State College builds graduates who are ready. Ready to lead. Ready to serve. Ready to make a difference from day one.
Voices from the Sidelines
“Our students rose to every challenge at this event,” said Indian River State College PTA Associate Professor Dr.Wendy Smith. “They worked side-by-side with licensed professionals and DPT students from across the state. These athletes push past their limits every single day. And our students matched that energy every step of the way. We could not be prouder.”
“These athletes are extraordinary,” said Dr. Patricia Gagliano, Indian River State College Executive Dean of Health & Human Sciences. “They inspire everyone around them. Sharing this experience with them — seeing their resilience and joy firsthand — is exactly why we do this work. Our students brought energy, precision, and genuine heart to every screening. Moments like these define what Indian River State College is all about.”
“Events like the Special Olympics State Summer Classic are where classroom preparation meets real-world impact,” said Ann Hubbard, Associate Dean of Health Sciences at Indian River State College. “Watching our PTA students conduct screenings alongside licensed professionals and DPT students from across the state speaks directly to the rigor of our program. They performed at the highest level. That’s the standard we set, and they delivered.”
About the Indian River State College PTA Program
Indian River State College offers an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant program that prepares students for the real world — not just the classroom. The program builds clinical assessment skills, patient care expertise, and rehabilitation techniques from day one.
Moreover, Indian River State College believes in unlocking potential. Each student carries a commitment to excellence into every clinical setting. Events like the Special Olympics reflect that mission in its purest form.
The River proudly serves students across the Treasure Coast region of Florida. Indian River State College: where potential meets purpose.
Ready to rise? Apply today at irsc.edu/apply and start your journey toward a career that changes lives.
