Students from West Virginia University’s College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences will visit southeastern Brazil in May for a unique study abroad experience.

In addition to studying sport, culture and coaching in Rio, Blumenau and Sao Francisco do Sul, the group of eight students will visit two local orphanages in Belo Horizonte and Florianopolis.

“This international perspective will allow the students to see coaches and athletes working together at all levels of sports,” said Dr. Ryan Flett, assistant professor, Athletic Coaching Education, CPASS. “We will have opportunities to apply and challenge the concepts we teach and learn in the classroom. For all that we will take from this experience, we feel we owe Brazil and must give back something.”

The opportunity to visit underserved communities and orphanages will present a contrast between the professional and Olympic training centers that the students will also visit, he added.

As a gesture of goodwill and to bridge the communication gap, students will deliver clothing to children at the orphanages. The CPASS group is collecting clothing and asks that the University community join in the effort. Clothing for children ages 4-12 is most needed, but all sizes will be accepted. The goal is to bring at least two large bags of clothes

Items may be dropped off in a box located outside of Dr. Flett’s office (room 274, Coliseum). The deadline for the clothing drive is May 12.

For more information, contact Flett at Ryan.Flett@mail.wvu.edu or 304-293-0844.

-WVU-

04/29/11

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CONTACT: Kimberly Cameon, CPASS
(304) 293-0827, Kimberly.Cameon@mail.wvu.edu