Be a Fan of Inspiration ...
"When I first started playing two years ago, I wasn't that good," Bowers said. "I am better at the game now because I practice all the time."
Be a Fan of Inclusion ...
Sanders found a new meaning to life when he joined Special Olympics. He said that being a part of this is keeping him off the streets and it's something to look forward to because he made new friends.
Be a Fan of Sport ...
Martinez, who is from Sullivan County and is coached by Melissa Ebeling, believes that the Special Olympics has helped him stay motivated as well keeping positive.
Healthy Athletes
The Special Olympics Healthy Athletes program was developed to improve athlete health and fitness,Beyond screenings, Healthy Athletes also educates healthcare professionals about the needs and care of people with intellectual disabilities, too often a population underserved by the medical community. Information gathered at events is valuable when planning programs, gaining support and improving policies.
Special Olympics New York Healthy Athletes Disciplines
Healthy Hearing offers hearing screenings which assess the hearing of athletes and report to coaches and families of potential problems and make recommendations if any follow-up is needed.
Opening Eyes
A global partnership with the Lions Club International Foundation, the OpeningEyes program is a vision and eye health screening. Led by volunteer vision care professionals, Opening Eyes is able to offer prescription eyeglasses to Special Olympics athletes.
Special Smiles
Special Olympics Special Smiles offers free dental screening, oral health information, and instructions on brushing and flossing properly to 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.
Fit Feet
During a Fit Feet screening, professional volunteers evaluate athletes’ ankles, feet, lower extremity biomechanics, and shoe and sock gear. They also provide referrals for those athletes who require follow-up services.
FUNfitness
Volunteer physical therapists evaluate functional strength, flexibility and balance; educate athletes and family members on the importance of staying physically fit and flexible.
Health Promotion
Special Olympics Health Promotion focuses on educating athletes about healthy lifestyles and offers health information and advice in the areas of nutrition, sun safety, bone density, tobacco use and physical fitness.
2012 State Winter Games Healthy Athletes - Olympic Village
More information on Healthy Athletes is available, please contact 800-836-6976.