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Healthcare that Provides Miracales. The Special Olympics Healthy Athletes program provides free screening to our athletes in locations around the world. See the Healthy Athletes Slideshow.
A World of Neglect
Though conditions vary for people with intellectual disabilities worldwide, many have little or no access to health care that could drastically improve or even save their lives. Since 1997, Special Olympics has been reaching out to this neglected population through its Healthy Athletes program, offering health screenings in seven medical disciplines to athletes at local, regional and World Games competitions.
In the process, Special Olympics has become the largest global public health organization dedicated to serving people with intellectual disabilities. At more than 700,000 screenings in 92 countries, volunteer health professionals have brought free preventative medicine and care to athletes in dire need of basic checkups, and sometimes more.
"I Can See The Sun!"
Moise Ahoussimou, a poor West African boy with an intellectual disability and next to no vision, is one example. When a Special Olympics Healthy Athletes® screening was offered in Porto Novo, Benin, a volunteer doctor realized Moise had been blinded by cataracts. Though he was referred for a simple operation, Moise left his appointment with restored sight. He saw his father for the first time. “I can see, I can see trees, I can see houses, I can see the sun,” he said. He grabbed his father’s hand. “Hey! Dad, I didn’t know you are that tall!”
Miracles at Every Turn
Miracles like Moise’s happen at every screening. Dustin Plunkett of California, USA, was screened by a dentist and saved from mouth cancer. Mariam Zakhary of Egypt, fitted with a hearing aid, heard her language and her coach for the first time in her life. Stories like Mariam’s are inspiring nations like Egypt to expand their offerings to athletes. Under Egypt’s Minister of Health, Dr. Ismail Salam, all Special Olympics Egypt athletes now receive medical exams – and those who need further treatment and follow-up care are provided it by the government.
Thousands Trained Worldwide
Healthy Athletes is making a difference every day in communities around the world. Today, over 63,000 healthcare professionals have been trained in working with people with intellectual disabilities through Healthy Athletes. They take this knowledge back to their practices and use it to enhance the lives of people with intellectual disabilities in their communities. Many doctors have dedicated a portion of their practices to bringing quality health care to this formerly underserved group of people.
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| | What YOU Can Do | |
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| | - Volunteer and join the more than 76,000 health care providers and students worldwide who have volunteered with the Healthy Athletes program.
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