by Chelsey Zane

Guest Writer

The following is the opinion of a guest writer, and does not reflect the stance of The Quadrangle, its editorial board or Manhattan College.

Through my studies in Dr. Cherubini’s Kinesiology and Public Health course, I am continually inspired to become more physically active. Furthermore, as one of the requirements for the course, I am required to support and encourage community-wide physical activity.

I have to admit, when I first heard that this is one of our requirements, I had no idea what direction I wanted to go towards. I thought, thought and thought some more until it hit me. I would volunteer for the Special Olympics of New York. I contacted them and am very excited to announce that I will soon become a part of their incredible team of volunteers.

I will be working on the Games Management System database and taking inventory of sports equipment in stock (actuals). I also will be organizing equipment bins for competition and making phone calls to stakeholders. In addition to contributing to the Regional Report, I look forward to explaining to stakeholders the process of becoming an athlete, coach and volunteer for the amazing cause.

By being a student in Dr. Cherubini’s course this semester, students such as myself are provided with the confidence and tools to become an outstanding addition to a most meaningful cause.

Earlier in the semester, I greatly enjoyed learning about the World Health Organization Principles of Health Promotion which include: empowerment and inclusion, intersectoral collaboration, multidimensional initiatives, participatory programs and advocacy.

I believe that as being a Manhattan College student, it is part of my responsibility to empower those with disabilities and make sure that they are included in the Special Olympics as well as recognized for their outstanding athletic abilities. In regards to intersectional collaboration, one of the things that I love about the Special Olympics of New York is that is lends itself to individuals with and without intellectual disabilities working together towards a common cause. It goes without saying that the very nature of Special Olympics of New York is multidimensional in how many facets are involved in their everyday work in order to promote positive health. What’s unique about Special Olympics of New York are the athletes, they are the stars of the show and it couldn’t be done without the advocacy of those in the greater community.

To wrap up my piece, how does this relate to my perspective of physical activity on campus? Simple question. By definition, “physical activity is any bodily movement that results in energy expenditure.” This may sound a bit trivial but with every step that I walk to my courses here on campus, I know that I will be learning from the very best and brightest. The study of kinesiology has always fascinated me and being able to share my knowledge with others and make a difference to the lives of the most deserving is something that is extremely rewarding. I feel very blessed to be a part of the Manhattan College community and I am excited to continue my daily physical activity on campus by walking to and from my courses taught by Dr. Cherubini and other outstanding professors.