Fitness Programs
Physical fitness is a key part of the Special Olympics mission. Physical activity, adequate nutrition and hydration enhance athletes’ sports performance and improve health and overall quality of life.
For our athletes to be fit, they must practice healthy habits year-round and lifelong.
Special Olympics Pennsylvania offers three programs to engage athletes, Unified Partners, their families, and volunteers in year-round fitness: Athlete Performance Training, Unified Fitness, and athlete-led walking clubs.
FOR COACHES & VOLUNTEERS
Athlete Performance Training is an in-season fitness program. Health education and fitness evaluations are embedded into sports practice for eight weeks. Athlete Performance Training happens on the field, whether that be a soccer field, bowling alley or swimming pool. Coaches register & lead Athlete Performance Training for their teams, or teams may be assigned trainers to assist.
FOR ATHLETES & PARTNERS
Unified Fitness is an off-season fitness program. People of similar age, with and without intellectual disabilities, training together at least 2x a week. Health education is included throughout the 12-weeks and fitness evaluations at the start and end of the program. Partners register and exercise together. As sites are available, Trainers lead Unified Fitness to include the education and evaluation.
FOR ATHLETES & PARTNERS
Walking Clubs is an in-season and/or off-season fitness program. It's led by a trained athlete leader called a Health & Fitness Coordinator with support from their Mentor and/or a Community Partner. Athletes, athletes' families and Unified partners can all participate. Clubs meet routinely to walk together or partake in an alternative fitness activities. Walking clubs can be held at a park, school or the local mall.
We are looking for all members of the Special Olympics Pennsylvania family to get involved in fitness programs.
If you are a Special Olympics Pennsylvania coach or volunteer interested in providing fitness opportunities, please follow the link to Athlete Performance Training.
If you are an athlete or Unified Partner interested in fitness opportunities, please follow the link for Unified Fitness.
If you are a fitness professional looking to learn more about opportunities to support and partner with Special Olympics Pennsylvania, please reach out to Charla Stein, cstein@specialolympicspa.org.