More than 50 Misericordia University occupational therapy students ended their spring break early to help with the Hazleton Area School District Winter Olympics, held recently at Eagle Rock Resort in Hazle Township for special-needs students.

The occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech-language pathology staffs of the school district coordinated the annual project. More than 100 special-needs children in the district participated in the program with their guardians, aides and parents.The theme for the 2015 event was the movie "Frozen." Misericordia students dressed in the costumes of Anna, Elsa, Hans, Kristoff, Sven and Olaf for many of the activities. Under the direction of Jennifer Dessoye, assistant professor of occupational therapy, Misericordia students helped set up and run indoor and outdoor activities at the Eagle Rock ski slope."We helped put a smile on a lot of faces," Dessoye said."It is a great opportunity for the Hazleton students to experience some fun and to interact outside of the classroom, and at the same time give the Misericordia students a feel for what it is like to interact with youngsters who have a variety of skill levels and needs. It is especially important for our sophomores who get a chance to see what it is like to work with special-needs students before they are placed in a clinical assignment."The Misericordia University volunteers included sophomores, juniors, seniors and some fifth-year graduate students.Eagle Rock Resort fully embraced the project and closed its ski slopes to the public for the morning. Resort staff created special snow tubing tracks and snow tunnels and provided engraved medals for the awards ceremony. In addition, Eagle Rock residents supplied snow pants and boots for the participants, and volunteered throughout the day.For more information about Misericordia University Occupational Therapy Program, call 570-674-6400 or log on to

www.misericordia.edu/ot.