On Tuesday, June 11, Special Olympics Athlete and Health Messenger Kassandra Sandgren was honored with the prestigious Golisano Health Leadership Award. This accolade recognizes leaders and organizations making significant contributions to equitable access to health, fitness, or wellness for people with intellectual disabilities (IDD). It also highlights extraordinary efforts toward fulfilling the goals, values, and mission of Special Olympics Health work.
Kassandra, a dedicated athlete of the Moses Lake Scorpions, has exemplified exceptional leadership and commitment. Over her 4.5 years with Special Olympics, Kassandra has participated in a variety of sports, including flag football, basketball, soccer, softball, and track. Her involvement in Special Olympics stems from her love of staying active and meeting peers who share her interests.
As a trained Health Messenger, Kassandra has been a vocal advocate for the importance of healthcare access for athletes within the community. Her dedication and passion for promoting inclusive health have made a significant impact on the lives of many. Kassandra has documented her health journey and consistently shares it through various platforms, including blog posts, podcasts, and interviews. She has actively supported Inclusive Health Trainings, helping to educate others about the importance of inclusive healthcare.
Kassandra has been an outspoken advocate for inclusive health, particularly for the IDD population, women, and people with uteruses. She is dedicated to dismantling biases within the healthcare system. Kassandra played a crucial role in the Standardized Patient Clinical Simulation at the University of Washington Medical School where she helped train medical students on providing inclusive care, ensuring future healthcare providers understand the unique needs of individuals with IDD.
Kassandra’s participation in Special Olympics and her role as a Health Messenger demonstrate her commitment to her community. She is passionate about being a voice for her peers, proving that maintaining good health does not mean giving up the activities they love.
Kassandra, alongside Emma Richardson, Director of Health Programs, recently participated in an interview discussing the launch of the Alliance for Inclusive Health. This initiative aims to promote awareness and foster collaborations to improve healthcare access and outcomes for individuals with IDD. Kassandra’s insights and experiences as a Health Messenger have been invaluable in shaping the goals and strategies of the Alliance. You can listen to the podcast here.
Kassandra Sandgren’s remarkable achievements and dedication to promoting inclusive health embody the spirit and mission of Special Olympics. Her recognition with the Golisano Health Leadership Award is a testament to her hard work and passion. We are incredibly proud of Kassandra and look forward to her continued contributions to the Special Olympics community!