From 12 to 16 May 2025, four representatives of the Faculty of Physical Culture, Palacký University Olomouc — Mgr. Julie Wittmannová, Ph.D., Mgr. Tomáš Vyhlídal, Ph.D., RNDr. Iva Dostálová, Ph.D., and Bc. Renata Kolisková — participated in a professional visit to the Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Portugal. The visit aimed to strengthen collaboration in the field of Adapted Physical Activity (APA) and health-focused physical education, as well as to exchange experiences in teaching, research, and programme management.
The programme was coordinated by host colleagues Dr. Rui Manuel Nunes Corredeira, Head of the Department of Adapted Physical Activity, and Dr. Tânia Lima Bastos, a member of the same department and the Faculty’s research team. Both ensured a rich professional programme and numerous opportunities to discuss teaching and research collaboration.
During the week, FTK representatives actively engaged in teaching students at both bachelor and master levels:
- Julie Wittmannová introduced students to Sport for Athletes with Intellectual Disabilities: Special Olympics and presented the content of APA studies at Palacký University, including opportunities for international mobility.
- Tomáš Vyhlídal focused on Physical Activity in Children after Cancer Treatment, sharing research outcomes and approaches for returning children to physical activity following oncological therapy.
- Iva Dostálová presented the concept of Health-focused Physical Education in the Czech Republic and led a practical Tabata-style exercise session.
- Renata Kolisková, secretary of the Department of Adapted Physical Activity, concentrated on the administrative side of the host department, exchanging experiences on course organization, student records management, and internal processes.
The programme also included a tour of specialized research laboratories focusing on movement biomechanics and motor learning, where FTK representatives explored the use of modern technologies to support teaching and physical activity for individuals with disabilities. The laboratories accommodate wheelchair users and athletes with prostheses, offering an inspiring model for integrating teaching, research, and practical application. The University of Porto’s involvement in community projects and collaborations with hospitals for adapted sports also served as a valuable example.
FTK representatives participated in a workshop dedicated to preparing athletes for the Special Olympics — covering everything from selecting disciplines and adapting rules to psychological preparation. Equally important was the exchange of experiences in organizing teaching modules (including hybrid formats), interdisciplinary collaboration, involving students in practical experiences during their studies, internationalization strategies, and supporting mobility for students with special needs.
At the concluding meeting with Faculty of Sport colleagues, numerous opportunities for future collaboration were discussed, ranging from joint research projects and publications to teaching within international programmes and student exchanges.
"The visit to the University of Porto was extremely inspiring for us, not only in terms of professional content but also thanks to the open atmosphere of the faculty and the welcoming attitude of our local colleagues," said Julie Wittmannová upon returning.
The visit provided new impulses for the development of Adapted Physical Activities, strengthened international relations, and reaffirmed the importance of personal contacts for future collaboration between the two faculties.
