Students and faculty from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing Kearney Division and UNMC College of Allied Health Professions in Kearney are offering free sports screenings for current and new athletes who plan to compete in the Special Olympics.
The event, called West Central MedFest, is open to athletes from the region who plan to compete in the Special Olympics. The screenings will take place Sept. 11, from 8 a.m. to noon in the Health Science Education Complex on the University of Nebraska at Kearney campus, 2402 University Drive. The building is equipped with exam rooms typically used for student education in UNMC health science programs.
The health screenings allow athletes to be eligible to compete in 19 different sports that Special Olympics Nebraska offers year-round. Competitions are held throughout the state for regional and state events including:
- · State equestrian competition in Central City, Nebraska, on Sept. 12
- · Unified bowling competition in Kearney, Nebraska, at Big Apple Lanes on Oct.16; and
- · State flag football and soccer tournaments in Papillion, Nebraska, on Oct. 23 and 24.
Upon arrival, attendees will be asked to answer COVID screening questions and wear face masks throughout the visit.
UNMC nursing and allied health students will benefit through both the educational and service experience, while supervised by licensed providers and faculty. The screenings are not intended to replace routine checkups by a primary care provider. The assessments include vision and hearing screens, vital signs, a physical examination and education on topics such as healthy eating and stretching before activities.
Nine faculty members will participate as well as 14 UNMC students enrolled in the physician assistant program, 32 in the physical therapy program and seven in nursing.
Though walk-ins are welcome, those interested are asked to register for an appointment by going to www.sone.org/events/health-events.html/event/2021/09/11/medfest/344261. For more information, contact Alisa Hoffman at ahoffman@sone.org or 402-331-5545, Ext. 22.
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