Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Search Results

There are 3,310 results that match your search. There are 3,310 results that match your search.
Community Impact

Inclusive Health Research: For the Athletes, By the Athletes

Dr. Alicia Dixon-Ibarra, Special Olympics Director of Fitness and Health Research, and Special Olympics athlete leaders Kimberly Schickley and Allen Tobin
Special Olympics’ research and evaluation (R&E) plays a critical role supporting Special Olympics’ global health strategy by leading the measurement of health outcomes resulting from Special Olympics health programming and providing monitoring and evaluation technical assistance to country and state Special Olympics Programs. On this episode of Inclusion Revolution Radio, host Novie Craven spoke with Dr. Alicia Dixon-Ibarra, Special Olympics Director of Fitness and Health Research, and Special Olympics athlete leaders Kimberly Schickley and Allen Tobin about the importance of inclusive health research.
Press Releases

Henry Schein Extends Partnership with Special Olympics Until 2025, Promoting Wellness and Health Education for Athletes with Intellectual Disabilities Around the World

Volunteer helping athlete demonstrate the correct way to brush teeth.
Melville, NY (USA) – May 13, 2024: Henry Schein, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSIC), the world’s largest provider of health care solutions to office-based dental and medical practitioners, today announced that it has extended through 2025 its existing partnership with Special Olympics to support health screening and education to and among its athletes at select events around the world.
Special Olympics Podcast: Inclusion Revolution Radio

The importance of Inclusive Health Research

The importance of Inclusive Health Research
Through Project ALL STAR, a Special Olympics research and evaluation initiative, athlete co-researchers aim to improve inclusive health programming and make a difference in the lives of fellow athletes. Inclusion Revolution Radio host Novie Craven discusses the significance of the athlete perspective in inclusive health research with Dr. Alicia Dixon-Ibarra, Special Olympics Director of Fitness and Health Research, and Special Olympics athlete leaders Kimberly Schickley and Allen Tobin.
Health Disciplines

Fit Feet (Podiatry) 

Adult male receiving a foot examination from a female volunteer; another volunteer takes notes and observes.
A discipline of Healthy Athletes, Fit Feet is a podiatric screening for Special Olympics athletes and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) that focuses on athletes’ ankle & foot health, lower extremity biomechanics, as well as footwear fit and condition. Many Special Olympics athletes are wearing the wrong size or type of shoes while competing, which can contribute to or worsen the presence of foot and ankle pain and dysfunction. Together, these issues can negatively impact an athletes’ navigation of everyday life and sport performance. During Fit Feet screenings, volunteer foot care specialists & students work with athletes to identify areas of concern. Using the results of the screening, volunteers provide athletes, coaches, families, and caregivers education on proper foot care and health to maximize the athlete’s ability to step lively onto the playing field of everyday life.

For more information, please contact us at fitfeet@specialolympics.org
Health Disciplines

Special Smiles (Dentistry)

Female athlete dressed in green laying back and a dentist examines her teeth.
The Special Smiles discipline of Healthy Athletes provides comprehensive oral health care information, including free dental screenings and instructions on correct brushing and flossing techniques to Special Olympics athletes. Volunteer dental health professionals and students perform oral health screenings, oral hygiene instruction, mouthguard adaptation, and apply fluoride varnish for athletes participating in the screening. Special Smiles has demonstrated remarkable success in creating awareness and improving access to dental care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

For more information, please contact us at specialsmiles@specialolympics.org.
Health Disciplines

Strong Minds (Emotional Health)

Group of people in a gymnasium practicing yoga.
Strong Minds is an interactive learning activity focused on developing adaptive coping skills. Competition provides a natural opportunity to develop active strategies for maintaining emotional wellness under stress, such as thinking positive thoughts, releasing stress, and connecting with others. Strong Minds is currently being further developed to include formal mental health screening measures (i.e., CORE-LD30 and WEMWBS-ID) to identify athletes at-risk for mental health concerns. Screening results will inform a more robust referral system to connect these athletes with community-based healthcare professionals.

For more information, please contact strongminds@specialolympics.org.
Health Disciplines

FUNfitness (Physical Therapy) 

athlete laying on his back with his legs elevated reaching to touch his toes; two volunteers observe and encourage him.
A discipline of Healthy Athletes, FUNfitness is a physical therapy screening that examines the flexibility, strength, balance , and aerobic fitness of Special Olympics athletes and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Dysfunction in any of these areas can result in pain, discomfort, and sub-optimal activity performance in sports and everyday life. During these screenings, physical therapists, students and other related health professionals, identify areas of concern in the above areas to offer education and expert guidance on suggested follow-up care including exercise recommendations, sport-specific training and potential referral recommendations.

For more information, please contact us at funfitness@specialolympics.org.
Community Impact

Special Olympics Malta Athlete Leader Gilmour Borg Speaks At EU World Mental Health Day Conference

Special Olympics Athlete Leader Gilmour Borg giving a speech.
Special Olympics Health Messenger Gilmour Borg shared his compelling journey from enduring bullying to emerging as an Athlete Leader, at the European Union's (EU) World Mental Health Conference in Brussels, Belgium.
Press Releases

Henry Schein Donates Health Care Products to Support Special Olympics Healthy Athletes® Screenings

A group of people on stage, three people in front of the stage cutting a ribbon.
With this donation, the Company promotes wellness and health education for athletes with intellectual disabilities around the world.
Community Impact

Special Olympics Athlete Leader and Health Messenger, Shanaia Xuereb, Shares Her Experiences at this Year’s World Games Berlin 2023

Accessibe in collaboration with Inclusion Revolution Radio, Season 5 Episode 11, Shanaia Xuereb, Special Olympics Malta Athlete Leader and Health Messenger
In this week’s episode, Josh and Novie spoke with Special Olympics Malta Athlete Leader and Health Messenger, Shanaia Xuereb, about her time at this year’s World Games Berlin 2023.
Previous
Next