From January 13–17, 2025, Mgr. Julie Wittmannová, Ph.D., represented the Faculty of Physical Culture during a professional stay at the University of Vienna (Department of Sport and Human Movement Science, Institute of Sports Science, University Sports Center Schmelz) within the Erasmus programme. The aim of her visit was to share expertise and foster collaboration in the fields of Adapted Physical Activities (APA) and Sport Pedagogy.
One of the key topics addressed was the current state of APA at the University of Vienna, where this field has been gradually declining. To support its revitalization, Julie offered the expertise of our APA department to Ass.-Prof. Mag. Dr. Rose Diketmüller, who hosted her throughout the week and is expected to play a role in restoring APA teaching for local students. “The discussions about course content and the sharing of our experiences were extremely valuable. Together we identified ways to preserve the quality and diversity of APA within the university’s current curriculum,” Wittmannová explained.
Throughout the week, she actively participated in teaching both bachelor’s and master’s students on topics such as athletes with cerebral palsy, boccia as a Paralympic discipline, and working with pupils with ADHD in physical education. The programme also included a presentation of the Faculty of Physical Culture and the APA study programme, introducing international students to mobility opportunities and the unique features of our curriculum.
Beyond teaching, Julie took part in professional consultations and workshops, including a session with a neuromechanics specialist working with athletes with cerebral palsy and a presentation of Erasmus+ projects focused on people with visual impairments. A highlight of the week was the visit to the dance club Ich bin OK, founded by Marie Dinold, the initiator of the APA section at the University of Vienna. Julie joined a regular dance class and later attended, together with Rosa Diketmüller, a Thursday dance performance at the Vienna Museum of Modern Art. “It was fascinating to watch performances of diverse groups of dancers with disabilities surrounded by works of art – it was both a professional and cultural experience,” Wittmannová added.
“The entire week was truly inspiring – it combined professional meetings, practical sessions, and cultural experiences, offering a comprehensive perspective on APA and its application in practice,” she concluded.
The stay in Vienna strengthened our faculty’s international cooperation, contributed to addressing the current challenges of APA at the University of Vienna, and enhanced the professional competencies of our staff. At the same time, it provided inspiration for future teaching and highlighted how sports practice, pedagogy, and the cultural dimension of physical activity can be meaningfully interconnected.
