Vikki Foley is a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine who wrote about her experience as a volunteer at the 2005 Special Olympics World Winter Games
The largest Special Olympics World Winter Games in history, which drew a record 11,000 volunteers and more than 1,830 athletes from 84 countries, were held in Nagano, Japan.
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A Special Olympics athlete undergoes a Fit Feet evaluation at the 2005 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Nagano, Japan. [Photo by Dr. Stephen Corbin] |
The Healthy Athletes program performed 4,200 health screenings for vision, hearing, obesity, tooth decay, fitness level and foot problems. The Fit Feet program had five podiatrists from the United States, Japan, Belgium and Ireland. There were 10 other physical therapists who helped us examine the athletes. We had 527 athletes come through the Fit Feet Screening in four days. Most of the athletes had tinea pedis, onychomychosis and flat feet. We gave them socks, Superfeet insoles and education on proper foot care.
We worked from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Although we had translators help us communicate with the athletes, I learned that people with intellectual disabilities are great at mimicking your actions, so most of my communication was through body language. One of the athletes I saw was from Venezuela. He played floor hockey with a foot drop and a 2-inch leg length discrepancy. He had some irritation on his lateral malleolus from his hockey boots, but his coach said that he was the fastest player on the team!
I met Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the founder of Special Olympics, who was very impressed with our group and loved the pair of socks that we gave her.
The Japanese people are so hospitable. Their culture is respectful, polite and considerate. Hundreds of people leave bikes unlocked at the train station and never worry about them being stolen. Imagine that! And despite the presence of thousands of people I always felt secure.
Another lasting impression of my time on this trip was how fortunate we are in the United States when it comes to medical care. Our resources are much greater than the rest of the world. I found that podiatry is not practiced the same everywhere. We are the only country that allows podiatrists to perform surgery. But what made this trip extraordinary were the athletes themselves. I have so many great memories and new friends.
Special Olympics is a wonderful organization. I encourage all of you podiatrists out there to volunteer at your local Special Olympics Games. It will remind you why you become a podiatrist.
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