On October 4, 2008, 24 physical therapy students from UCF volunteered their time to assist at the
11th Annual Buddy
Walk
hosted by the Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida
at Lake
Eola
in
downtown Orlando.
About 6,000 supporters of the association walked around Lake Eola as part of the fund-raising event.
Approximately $170,000 was
raised for advocacy,
education and services for local families with loved
ones affected by Down
Syndrome.
The physical therapy students spent their
time handing out donated bananas, pizza and barbeque at the
food
tents, as well as promoting a positive morale for the association's supporters.
The students also
danced and bonded with the Sparklers
Cheerleading Team and many others near
the stage and the DJ
tent. In addition, they formed a "high-five line" to
encourage all
participants at
the start and finish lines
of the Buddy Walk.
"This was a great educational experience for the physical
therapy students," said Vickie Morgan, a student
in UCF's Doctor of Physical Therapy program. "We look forward to
working at the event
again next year."