A&M-Commerce Hosts Area Special Olympics Athletes for Pickleball Challenge

A&M-Commerce hosted a Special Olympics pickleball skills challenge on May 11. More than 60 students attended the event from school districts including Commerce, Como-Pickton, Cooper, Farmersville, Quinlan and Wolfe City.

Commerce ISD teacher Alex Kirckof and Region 10 ESC Adapted Physical Education Specialist Thomas Swinden helped facilitate the competition, where athletes participated in skills tests based on their ability levels.

A Special Olympics athlete zeroes in on an incoming ball.

Dr. Sandy Kimbrough, associate professor and assistant head of the Department of Health and Human Performance at A&M-Commerce, said she sees the potential for similar collaborations.

“The Pedagogy and Physical Activity Lab within the Nursing and Health Sciences Building on campus is designed as a space for students to learn while providing beneficial opportunities for the community,” she said. “We're excited to continue offering valuable academic and movement experiences for the extended A&M-Commerce community.”

Two Special Olympics athletes celebrate while one athlete high-fives an attendee.

Learn more about the Department of Health and Human Performance at A&M-Commerce.

(Photos courtesy of Region 10 ESC.)