OT/Health Studies Adjunct Makes "Marc" in Wheelchair Athletics

By Ami Olson '07, PR Intern

Marc DePerno ’00, adjunct lecturer of health studies, has been named co-chair of the United States Curling Association Adaptive Curling Committee. DePerno will be responsible for developing wheelchair curling programs throughout the country, working to improve and educate existing programs, and developing a long-term plan to ensure the success of the program on a national scale.

DePerno is an occupational therapist and director of the Success Through Adaptive and Recreational Sports (STARS) program at the Sitrin Health Center.  All the national team members are also members of the STARS program.

Not only does DePerno coach the wheelchair curling team, he can also be seen running alongside wheelchair athletes training for the Boilermaker Road Race, coaching wheelchair basketball, as well as teaching adaptive paddling, downhill skiing, golf, and billiards. DePerno holds a bachelor's degree in occupational therapy from UC and has taught several courses, including Adapted Sports, a curriculum he developed.

"Not only does participating in adapted sports promote physical wellness for individuals with disabilities, it also enhances self esteem and socialization," DePerno says.

STARS athlete and three-time Boilermaker participant Jimmy Joseph says DePerno has been the catalyst for many wheelchair athletes.

"Marc sees the ability, not the disability, in people. Getting involved with these sports means there are mote things in life for people with disabilities," Joseph says.

DePerno was also selected as the Wheelchair Curling team teader and will serve as the coordinator for the national team. DePerno managed team operations for the 2007 World Wheelchair Curling Championship in Solleftea, Sweden, where Team USA placed fifth.

For more information about wheelchair curling, visit Eric Eales' site here.

Article and photos originally appeared in Inside UC, April 2007, p.8