The Physical Therapy Olympics: One Texas School's Tradition

The Physical Therapy Olympics (PTO) is a collaborative and competitive event between physical therapy programs across Texas. With its start in 1999, PTO has evolved over the last 19 years, only missing 1 year in the past. Now, PTO includes participation from 12 schools with over 500 physical therapy students. Planning for the event starts in early fall and continues through the event weekend, which occurs in early spring. The Olympics are hosted at UT Health San Antonio, formerly known as UTHSCSA. In the beginning, the event was hosted at the school who won PTO the previous year. As other schools liked the UT Health campus most for the event, it was decided that UT Health would always host PTO in coming years.

Some of the sports/competitions included this past year in the games are; a dance competition, sand volleyball, tug-o-war, dodgeball, soccer, basketball, billiards, karaoke, and making its very first appearance was ultimate frisbee. In past years softball was also included as a sport. The competition and camaraderie created with this event makes the Physical Therapy Olympics a phenomenal, unique experience. Good sportsmanship during the games is always encouraged, and is also rewarded with a “spirit goni” at the end.

A points system was implemented at the very beginning of the Physical Therapy Olympics, in which teams accumulate points based on how they perform in each of the events. At the end of the weekend, the team which has earned the most number of points takes the first place title for the overall Physical Therapy Olympics that year. The winner has their name is placed on the trophy which remains on display at the UTHSCSA campus physical therapy office.

One of the largest promoted events at PTO is job fair. Here, students are offered an opportunity they may not have otherwise been involved in, as they speak with potential employment locations and also future programs for residencies and post-doctorate learning.

The event in itself is a fun opportunity to meet and network with other young professionals aspiring towards the same career of physical therapy.

Caitlin Vela, SPT
UT Health San Antonio Class of 2019

*Photos taken by Braidon Clemence of Brain Case Media