TWU students enhance their skills by attending virtual conference

Fifteen Texas Woman’s School of Health Promotion and Kinesiology students received an outstanding professional development opportunity by attending Move United’s 2020 Virtual Leadership Conference May 11-15.

The annual Leadership Conference is part of Move United’s education program which has provided adaptive sports training to more than 2,000 people from 325 organizations across the country. Historically a hands-on, experiential learning and networking experience, the stay-at-home environment drove the adaptation of the conference to online content and discussions.

Throughout the week, a series of sessions followed designated themes planned for each day, including: Pathways to the Paralympics; Organization Management and Development; Inclusive Outdoor Recreation; and Membership Network Insights. The conference closed with a keynote presentation from Paralympic hopeful Cassandra Grenier.

The conference was an important event for athletes with disabilities in the U.S.

“This is the first national conference to set the stage for opportunities for those with physical and sensory disabilities desiring to participate in competitive sport,” said Ronald Davis, PhD, professor in the TWU School of Health Promotion and Kinesiology. “I have been a part of two Paralympic competitions and I can tell you that this conference is a leading contributor to the development of more athletes with disabilities simply by strengthening the communication, marketing and implementation of events.”

Having a front-row seat to the leadership discussions and insight into an industry they could potentially become a part of also was important to the education of TWU students.

“Our students were able to learn from the best of the best in leadership and understand programs that will help them move forward in job placements utilizing their education and professional development,” said Davis.

The students agreed.

“Whether you are a coach, athlete, parent, or community member—disabled or able bodied—the conference offered something beneficial for everyone,” said kinesiology major Frank Meeks. “Move United Disability Sports Conference is a model of the inclusivity it advocates—equal access for everyone.”

Page last updated 11:16 AM, May 22, 2020