Dr. Donna Cantrell, Special Olympics Clinical Director for FUNfitness Long Island, hosted a specialized FUNfitness Screening Training on October 21 for our third-year Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students.
FUNfitness is a physical therapy–based screening program that evaluates the flexibility, strength, balance, and aerobic fitness of Special Olympics athletes and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Challenges in any of these areas can lead to pain, discomfort, and reduced performance in both sports and daily activities.
During these screenings, physical therapists, students, and related health professionals identify areas of concern, provide education, and offer expert guidance on follow-up care. This may include personalized exercise recommendations, sport-specific training tips, and, when appropriate, referrals for further evaluation.
This hands-on training is invaluable for our students—several of whom will volunteer at the upcoming Special Olympics NYC Region Winter Classic on Saturday, December 6, from 8:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. The event depends heavily on volunteer support and promises to be a rewarding and enjoyable experience for all involved.
In addition to her role with the Special Olympics, Dr. Cantrell, an esteemed NYU Steinhardt Physical Therapy alumna and dedicated supporter of the program, will also be the featured speaker for the upcoming Student-Alumni Conversation Series, “Bites & Insights,” on November 3. This event, organized by the Student to Alumni Relations (SAI) Committee, brings together current Steinhardt students and alumni to foster meaningful connections and professional growth.
As the Special Olympics Clinical Director for FUNfitness Long Island, Dr. Cantrell has provided free health screenings for athletes with IDD both nationally and internationally, including at the Special Olympics World Games.
Our students look forward to an engaging conversation with Dr. Donna Cantrell to learn more about her inspiring career journey and her lasting impact on the field of Physical Therapy.
