Why It Matters
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), despite the severe need and higher health risk, people with intellectual disabilities are denied health services, and community interventions, and there is a lack of targeted interventions and programs for the population. Healthcare professionals who volunteer with Special Olympics have found that Special Olympics athletes are at increased risk of secondary health issues.
What We Do For Health
Special Olympics is the world’s largest public health organization for people with intellectual disabilities, providing access to free health services for a population with significant, unmet health needs. Often, those with intellectual disabilities and their families don’t understand what is needed to optimize their health. Healthy Athletes provides accessible information, resources, systems, and policies at the individual, community, national and global levels that support them in realizing sustainable healthy, and productive lives.
Interested in helping?
Clinical Directors
Volunteer Benefits
Ways To Be Healthy
Strong Minds
Emotional Health
MedFest
Medical History
and Physical Exam
Special Smiles
Dental Health
Opening Eyes
Lions Club Intl.
Eye Health
Healthy Hearing
Audiology
Health Promotion
Healthy Living &
Preventative Screenings
FUNFitness
Physical Therapy
Fit Feet
Podiatry
Connecting Fitness to
Sports Performance
COMPETITION
Volunteers assist athletes in ensuring they are ready to compete in their events.
NUTRITION
Participants build their own healthy snack & learn about healthy choices and correct portion sizes.
HYDRATION
Participants will learn about the importance of drinking water as they build their own infused water.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Participants learn about the importance of exercising through three exercises that can be done at home or at practice to improve their sport.
PLEDGE WALL
Now that participants have learned the importance of fitness to performance, they are ready to commit to a fitness goal.
LOCAL OPPORTUNITIES
Participants will receive a tote bag, Fit 5 guide, SO FIT! information, and flyers and event information for local opportunities.
Unified Fitness Clubs bring together individuals with and without intellectual disabilities, providing opportunities to engage in regular physical activity and talk about good nutrition. The Club focuses on participation, rather than competition – keeping things FUN!
- A year-round club that meets at least once per week.
- Each club selects activity types that suit the needs of its members.
- Other fitness activities could include hiking, yoga, dancing, cycling, and strength training
- Walking is appropriate for all fitness levels and is easy to access.
- Participants are motivated to stay active throughout the week by tracking progress on goals, typically with a pedometer or fitness tracker.
- Clubs and participants are recognized and rewarded for reaching certain milestones in steps/distance goals, or other fitness accomplishments. FITNESS CLUBS MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
Fitness Clubs motivate, educate, and inspire fitness through physical activity, healthy eating, and proper hydration. Clubs have been shown to be effective ways to encourage lifestyle change.
Want More Information?
If you are interested in our Health & Wellness programs and have questions, please message us and let us know!
