Healthy Athletes is a Special Olympics program that provides free health examinations in a fun, welcoming environment that removes the anxiety and trepidation people with intellectual disabilities often experience when faced with a visit to a medical professional. The Healthy Athletes screening is open to all Special Olympics athletes.

FUNfitness is a physical therapy event that provides athletes the opportunity to be examined for flexibility of hamstring, calf, shoulder rotator and hip flexor muscles. During these screenings,
physical therapists, related professionals and students offer athletes expert guidance and exercises recommendations to prevent and reduce the risk of injury, and to improve the athletes’ optimal function in sports training and competition.

Healthy Hearing is changing lives in communities across the globe by providing free hearing screenings and other medical services, including ear wax removal, swim molds, hearing aid maintenance and minor repairs for people with intellectual disabilities.

Opening Eyes increases athletes’ access to care by providing free eye assessments, prescription eyewear, sunglasses and sports goggles to people with intellectual disabilities. At the end of the 12-step visual exam, a decision is made if new glasses may be helpful. Through the generosity of our corporate sponsors Essilor (lenses) and Safilo (frames), athletes choose from a selection of free eyewear or plano sunglasses.

Special Smiles is the dental health discipline of Special Olympics Healthy Athletes that provides athletes with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to take charge of their oral health. Special Smiles provides comprehensive oral health care information, offers free dental screenings and instructions on correct brushing and flossing techniques to Special Olympics athletes. This also includes issuing preventative supplies, like toothpaste, toothbrushes and fluoride varnish.

Strong Minds is an interactive learning activity focused on developing adaptive coping skills. Competition provides a natural opportunity to develop active strategies for maintaining emotional wellness under stress, such as: thinking positive thoughts, releasing stress and connecting with others. Athletes learn about and try a few different active coping strategies as they move through the stations.

Health Promotion interviews athletes to assess their health habits, and conducts health screenings in three key areas: BMI– body mass index based on height and weight, BP – blood pressure, and BMD – bone mineral density. Through interactive educational tools and literature, SOWA athletes will learn the importance of nutrition, hydration, sun safety, hand washing and tobacco avoidance.

We Need Volunteers!

SOWA is seeking clinical, public health professionals, wellness professionals, and students to assist in FREE screenings and education stations. Register here!

Please contact Della at dnorton@sowa.org with any questions!