Empowering athletes, inspiring future doctors, and building a community that thrives on and off the field.
As PNWU students pursue our mission, they often deepen their connection with the communities we serve. Take, for instance, an assortment of students from PNWU’s health sciences programs who have dedicated their time and hearts to Special Olympics Yakima.
Balancing the demands of medical school with a commitment to service, PNWU students volunteer their time to serve as coaches, unified participants, chaperones, and more, helping local Special Olympics athletes to not only excel physically, but also foster personal growth and confidence.
As the program continues to thrive, current students are preparing to pass the torch to the next generation of leaders. With growing volunteer involvement and an expanding vision for the future, the group hopes to see the legacy of Special Olympics Yakima endure.
David Dommermuth, PNWU-COM Class of 2025, reflects on how volunteering has enriched his journey:
“Engaging in something meaningful outside of medicine keeps you grounded in why you chose this field in the first place.
“While my passion lies in Special Olympics and working alongside individuals with special needs, I encourage future PNWU students to find their own passions. It fosters a sense of community that extends beyond patient interactions, fueling your passion for medicine and service.
“Getting involved can be as simple as reaching out. I started by sending a Facebook message to the local chapter, and I encourage others to take a similar chance. The worst that can happen is someone says no; the best case is you form lifelong connections that enrich both your life and the lives of others.”
For students who are eager to get involved, Tanner Chase, PNWU-COM Class of 2026, highlights the flexibility and opportunities within the program:
“There is always an opportunity to help with the Special Olympics. While in Yakima, there is a strong connection already made, it is a great way to get introduced to the organization.
“If you happen to enjoy coaching, then make a connection when you get to your rotation site. The teams are welcoming and understand you’re a student who cannot make it to every practice. When I moved away from Yakima, I reached out to the regional coordinator, and they passed along my information to a coach near my rotation site.
“If you want to help out but coaching isn’t your thing, you can volunteer for the regional and state tournaments with non-sports-related events (i.e., health services, serving food, carnival games).”
Schafer Paladichuk, PNWU-COM Class of 2025, on the importance of continued engagement:
“We are always looking for dedicated individuals who want to make a difference — whether it’s by volunteering at practices, stepping into leadership roles as coaches, or helping out as chaperones during events.
“Your involvement not only supports our athletes but also ensures the lasting success and growth of the program for years to come.”
Jack McPherson, PNWU-COM Class of 2025, on his belief in the program’s impact:
“Any volunteer service is a service to your community! That being said, I am super biased in that Special Olympics is an amazing opportunity to get involved in Yakima and beyond.
“I hope to see future PNWU medical students involved in Special Olympics in the years to come! The Special Olympics is the best volunteer experience I have ever been a part of, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for volunteer hours or looking to fill a gaping hole in their life.
“As these students pass on their knowledge and experiences, they are leaving behind a legacy of service that will shape the future of PNWU’s involvement in Special Olympics.”
Game Changers: A Wave of Community Support
Student Dr. Paladichuk, on the vital role of the community in sustaining the program:
“Together, we’re building a strong, inclusive network that continues to uplift and celebrate these incredible individuals.
“Special Olympics Yakima relies entirely on donations to sustain and grow its programs. The generosity of our community enables us to provide our athletes with new and improved equipment and gear, which not only excites them but also enhances their overall experience.
“These resources empower our athletes to perform at their best while fostering a sense of pride and belonging. Moreover, this community support inspires our volunteers to actively promote the program and become passionate advocates for our athletes.”
Student Dr. Dommermuth on the importance of community ties:
“Partnerships like this teach PNWU students the importance of their roles as community leaders. Being a physician extends far beyond the clinic or hospital — it’s about being an advocate and a servant leader in the community.
“Volunteering helps students understand the profound impact of giving back to underserved communities. Special Olympics also emphasizes the importance of working with and advocating for individuals with diverse needs and stories, not just those with visible disabilities.
“These experiences equip future physicians with essential skills in communication, empathy, and advocacy, all of which are invaluable in medicine.”
Service and Advocacy
As Student Dr. Paladichuk prepares to move on to residency, he expresses his desire to see the program continue to thrive.
“We want this partnership to be known,” he explained. “It is going to be hard to leave in a year and we are trying everything to ensure the program continues its upward trajectory. My hope is that future students see the tremendous value in our involvement and continue the work we’ve done.”
Student Dr. McPherson envisions a similar expansion of Special Olympics across the region.
“I would love to see pictures from some of our State Championship teams, perspectives from some of our local athletes, video interviews with athletes, pictures from all the teams in different cities that have sprouted because of Yakima Special Olympics, etc., to help energize people to get involved!”
Ultimately, the legacy of PNWU’s involvement in Special Olympics is more than just about volunteer hours — it’s about creating lasting bonds, amplifying voices, and making a tangible impact on the lives of athletes.
This past fall, PNWU Doctor of Physical Therapy students became involved with the program for the first time, marking an important step toward expanding Special Olympics beyond the DO class. “Their involvement exemplifies the potential of interdisciplinary collaboration,” said Student Dr. Alex Downs, PNWU-COM Class of ‘25, “especially as PNWU continues to grow into programs like Occupational Therapy and Dental Medicine.”
Future students are encouraged to take the first step, whether through coaching, mentoring, or simply showing up at events. These students are creating a community of service, one that will continue to grow and thrive long after the jerseys are worn out and the buzzers have sounded.
