Healthy Athletes Resources
The Healthy Athletes initiative is dedicated to providing health services and education to Special Olympics athletes, and changing the way health systems interact with people with intellectual disabilities. Through free health screenings, training for healthcare professionals, and evaluation of the health status of people with intellectual disability, Healthy Athletes has become a powerful public health organization worldwide.
Healthy Athletes Update (e-newsletter)
Continually updated with the latest information about the Healthy Athletes’ initiative, Healthy Athletes Update includes articles on best practices, research, global development, and Healthy Athlete sponsors.
Healthy Athletes Partners
Healthy Athletes continues to grow each year with help from a global network of in-kind donations and other financial support from partners.
Healthy Athletes Software
The Healthy Athletes Software system (HAS) enables the electronic capture of screening data across the Healthy Athletes disciplines and is the world's largest and highest quality health database on individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Are You a Healthy Athlete – book
Created by two former Special Olympics athletes, this booklet educates Special Olympics athletes on healthy choices and encourages participation in Healthy Athletes screenings.
Provider Directory
The Healthy Athletes Provider Directory is an online database of health care professionals who treat patients with intellectual disabilities. Health care providers in the United States, Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean can create and maintain a listing in the Provider Directory. The Directory will be opened soon to providers in other regions of the world.
Fit Feet Resources
Special Olympics Fit Feet is a free podiatric screening for participating Special Olympics athletes evaluating ankles, feet, lower extremity biomechanics, and proper shoe and sock gear. In partnership with the International Federation of Podiatrists (FIP) and the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine, Fit Feet also provides referrals for those participating Special Olympics that require follow up services.
For more information, contact Martin Wisor (mwisor@specialolympics.org), Manager, Fit Feet
FUNfitness Resources
Special Olympics FUNfitness is a physical therapy screening program that is designed to assess and improve physical strength, flexibility and balance, educate athletes and parents on the importance of staying physically fit and flexible, and provide a hands-on opportunity for participating Special Olympics athletes to learn more about physical therapy. Developed in partnership with the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), FUNfitness is led by volunteer physical therapists.
For more information, contact Shantae L. Polk (spolk@specialolympics.org), Manager, FUNfitness
Health Promotion
Special Olympics Health Promotion is a free screening that offers health information and advice in the areas of nutrition, sun safety, bone density, tobacco cessation, and physical fitness. Health Promotion is designed to convey and reinforce key concepts on healthy living, healthy lifestyle choices, and nation-specific health issues.
For more information, contact Heather Driscoll (hdriscoll@specialolympics.org), Senior Manager, Health Promotion
Healthy Hearing
Special Olympics Healthy Hearing program is a free hearing screening designed to ensure proper audiological care for participating Special Olympics athletes. Led by volunteer professionals, Healthy Hearing also provides tests for cerumen (ear wax) and otoacoustic emissions tests.
Founder and Senior Global Advisor: Gilbert R. Herer, Ph.D, CCC-A; gherer@cnmc.org
Senior Global Coordinator: Judy K. Montgomery, Ph.D, CCC-SLP; montgome@chapman.edu
For more information, contact Martin Wisor (mwisor@specialolympics.org), Manager, Healthy Hearing
MedFest
Special Olympics MedFest is a free health screening that facilitates the acquisition of the standard sports physical that is required under the General Rules of Special Olympics, Inc. Led by volunteer physicians, nurses, physician assistants, and medical students, the MedFest screening consists of the following stations: medical history, height and weight, blood pressure, cardiology test, musculoskeletal test, orthopedic tests, abdominal evaluation, and a check out station.
For more information, contact Heather Driscoll (hdriscoll@specialolympics.org), Senior Manager, MedFest.
Opening Eyes
The Special Olympics-Lions Clubs International Opening Eyes program is a vision and eye health screening in partnership with the Lions Clubs International Foundation. Led by volunteer vision care professionals, Opening Eyes is able to offer prescription eyewear, sunglasses, and sports goggles to Special Olympics athletes.
For more information, contact David Evangelista (devangelista@specialolympics.org), Manager, Opening Eyes.
Special Smiles
Special Olympics Special Smiles offers free dental screening, oral health information, and instructions on brushing and flossing properly to participating Special Olympics athletes, as well as preventative supplies like toothpaste and toothbrushes. Athletes who require follow up dental services are referred to local oral health professionals.
For more information, contact Shantae L. Polk (spolk@specialolympics.org), Manager, Special Smiles.