Health Programs
Special Olympics is the world’s largest public health organization for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID), providing access to free health services for a population with significant, unmet health needs.
Check out Special Olympics Pennsylvania's Health One Page Snapshot.
HEALTHY ATHLETES
Healthy Athletes is designed to improve athletes’ health and fitness in order to enhance their ability to train and compete in Special Olympics. All of these programs are non-invasive screenings designed to offer additional support at no cost to our athletes and their families. Healthy Athletes is made up of seven disciplines (noted below).
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Fit Feet (podiatry) |
MedFest (sports physical exam) |
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FUNfitness (physical therapy) |
Opening Eyes (vision) |
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Health Promotion (better health and well-being) |
Special Smiles (dentistry) |
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Healthy Hearing (audiology) |
Diabetes Prevention & Management
This diabetes initiative is in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Health that aims to reach athletes who may be at risk for or have diabetes. This program refers athletes to a ‘Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support’ site within their community to facilitate further assessment and provide resources to support optimal health management. Taking active steps for diabetes prevention and management promotes a healthier lifestyle for athletes to support their safe participation in sports engagement and desired meaningful activities.
HEALTHY HABITS
Healthy Habits is supplemental stations to Healthy Athletes or conducted in high traffic areas when it is not possible to do Healthy Athletes. Healthy Habits are interactive education stations that help build awareness of how healthy habits affect sport performance and everyday life.
- If interested in hosting Healthy Habits, check out the toolkits which includes a letter, guide and resources focused on:
- Going for Gold: Healthy Habits!: A 6-week Virtual Life Skills Program for Athletes. Click here to view past recordings.
FIT 5
Athletes want to perform their best at every competition. They can do this by being fit. Fit 5 is a plan for physical activity, nutrition, and hydration. It can improve athletes health and fitness to make them the best athlete that they can be.
- Fit 5 One Page Snapshot
- Fit 5 Process
- Levels of Coaching
- Fit 5 - Coach Sign Up
- Fit 5 Resources - Fit 5 Guide, Fitness Cards and Fitness Videos
TEAM TRAINER
Team Trainer Program uses volunteers from colleges and universities to promote social inclusion through physical fitness and sport.
For more information contact:
Chelsea Hammell
Director of Program Initiatives
610-630-9450 ext. 233