Going for gold: Winter Olympics fun in pediatric rehabilitation at Piedmont Athens Regional

Athens, Ga. (February 17, 2026) - Young patients at Piedmont Athens Regional’s Pediatric Rehabilitation program are getting their own taste of Olympic glory this winter, as the therapy team at the Oconee Health Campus transforms routine therapy sessions into a playful and inspiring Winter Games experience.

Children participating in physical, occupational and speech therapy recently took part in themed activities designed to spark movement, build confidence and add excitement to their sessions. With enthusiasm that rivaled real-world Olympians, patients rotated through hands-on challenges that targeted therapeutic goals while keeping the focus on fun.

“Every activity was designed to help our patients shine,” said Kelley Claas, rehabilitation services manager at Piedmont Athens Regional. “Seeing their smiles and energy reminds us how meaningful creative therapy can be.”

Therapists guided children through hockey goal-scoring drills, curling slides, an ice-fishing challenge, and even a stuffed-animal bobsled race. Each event was adapted to support developmental needs, including gross motor skills, fine motor coordination, speech and language development, and confidence‑building.

At the end of each session, every child is crowned a champion—stepping onto a podium decorated in Olympic colors and receiving a gold medal in recognition of their determination and progress. Patients also add their painted handprints to a collaborative banner, leaving behind a colorful legacy that symbolizes resilience and accomplishment.

“These Winter Olympics-themed sessions capture the heart of pediatric rehabilitation,” Claas said. “By blending creativity with clinical goals, we help each child build strength and confidence in a way that is fun and empowering.”

To learn more about pediatric rehabilitation services at Piedmont Athens, visit piedmont.org/services.