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Healthy Athletes

What is Healthy Athletes?
Special Olympics Healthy Athletes is a program designed to help Special Olympics athletes improve their health and fitness. This leads to an enhanced sports experience and improved well being. Athletes receive a variety of health services through clinics conducted in welcoming environments at Special Olympics competitions, while health care professionals learn about the health needs of Special Olympics athletes and gain confidence and satisfaction in volunteering their skills to an underserved population. Health data gathered at events are important for planning, programs, gaining support, and improving policies.

Healthy Athletes Disciplines:

• Healthy Hearing
• Opening Eyes
• Special Smiles
• Fit Feet
• FunFitness
• Health Promotion

For more information on these disicplines, click here

Healthy Athletes Objectives:

Improve access and health care for Special Olympics athletes at event-based health screenings.

Make referrals to local health practitioners when appropriate.

Train health care professionals and students in the health professions about the needs and care of people with mental retardation.

Collect, analyze and disseminate data on the health status and needs of people with intellectual diabilities, including mental retardation.

Advocate for improved health policies and programs for person with mental retardation.

The success of Special Olympics Healthy Athletes events depends on partnering. Special Olympics program staff support the work of trained Healthy Athletes volunteers to provide event based health opportunities for athletes. Event managers create an environment for positive interaction between health care professionals, other volunteers, and Special Olympics athletes and their families. Products, equipment and cash donations from local, national and international companies help to support the program. Financial support of governmental and philanthropic sponsors helps the program grow. Support of the volunteer opportunities offered by Special Olympics Healthy Athletes provides ongoing community network for improved access to health care for Special Olympics athletes; creating a legacy of care.

Special Olympics New York Specific Health Programs

NY Sun Safety:

Working with Rite Aid pharmacies and the Sun Safety Alliance, Special Olympics
New York is teaching athletes and coaches how to be safe in the sun.

• Seek Shade
• Always use sunscreen
• Wear sunglasses
• Wear a hat
• Cover Up

More information on Healthy Athletes is available, please contact 800-836-6976.

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