Adjunct Professor Tonya Vyhlidal recognized at Seward County All Sports Special Olympics Banquet
Tonya Vyhlidal, Concordia University, Nebraska adjunct professor of health and human performance (HHP) and education, was recently recognized at the Seward County All Sports Special Olympics banquet for her work with Special Olympics athletes through Concordia’s Adapted Physical Education (HHP 471) course.
As a part of Vyhlidal’s course, Concordia students serve as co-coaches and partners alongside athletes while earning valuable field experience hours. The experience gives students the opportunity to develop empathy and gain leadership skills. In turn, participating athletes build relationships and experience opportunities that contribute to continued success.
“Seward County Special Olympics has partnered with Concordia Professor Vyhlidal and her class for the past nine years,” said Lesley Liebhart, head of delegation for Seward County Special Olympics. “It is a wonderful partnership for our athletes and her students to work together, create relationships, challenge each other and just have fun!”
The banquet is an annual event sponsored by the Seward County Arc of Nebraska Chapter. It is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements, dedication and accomplishments of Special Olympics athletes, while also recognizing the volunteers, coaches and community partners who support the program throughout the year.
The Arc of Nebraska is a private, non-profit statewide organization dedicated to advocating for and supporting Nebraskans with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“Through our work together, the students learn that every individual has unique gifts, strengths and contributions to offer. My hope is that they leave the course with a deeper appreciation for all people and a commitment to creating communities where everyone is valued, included and respected.”
Seward County Special Olympics aims to provide athletic programs for people of all ages with intellectual disabilities, promote inclusion, guide them to success and allow the athletes to enjoy themselves while practicing and competing with their peers.
Along with the recognition, Vyhlidal was presented with a piece of artwork. The piece was created by Martha Perske, a self-taught artist whose work depicts disability through a lens of inclusion, dignity and love.
“I was honored to receive such a meaningful gift,” said Vyhlidal.
Through her work in this class, Vhylidal is able to teach her students to see beyond stereotypes to the individual person.
“One of the things I love most about teaching HHP 471 is helping students see beyond the labels society often places on people,” she said. “Through our work together, they learn that every individual has unique gifts, strengths and contributions to offer. My hope is that students leave the course with a deeper appreciation for all people and a commitment to creating communities where everyone is valued, included and respected.”
Liebhart expressed her gratitude for the ongoing collaboration between Vhylidal’s course and Seward County Special Olympics.
“I would like to sincerely thank Professor Vhylidal for her commitment, passion and time spent with the Seward County Special Olympics teams. She is a wonderful, caring person and we are lucky to have been able to work with her and her classes each semester for nine years.”
A degree from Concordia University, Nebraska in health and human performance prepares students to be an advocate for physical wellbeing, exercise and fitness through the pursuit of a Christ-centered education. Learn more here.