Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
In the News

Highlighting Health at the Special Olympics Pan African Games 2020

The first-ever Pan African Games provided a one of a kind experience, including in Healthy Athletes, with 1845 screenings in just 5 days!
Special Olympics Pan African Games 2020
The first ever Special Olympics Pan African Games took place in Cairo, a joint event hosted by the Special Olympics Middle East/North Africa and Africa regions.

Special Olympics Healthy Athletes screenings at the first-ever Pan African Games

Despite severe need and higher health risks, people with intellectual disabilities are often denied health services and die on average 16 years sooner than the general population.

When people with intellectual disabilities have access to health services, they also have more opportunities for education, employment, sports, and other pathways to reach full participation in society. In 1997, Special Olympics Healthy Athletes® began offering free health screenings and education to Special Olympics athletes in a welcoming, fun environment.

The first-ever Pan African Games provided a one of a kind experience, including in Healthy Athletes, with 1845 screenings in just 5 days! More than 30 partners, including universities, clinics, providers, pharmaceutical and equipment companies, and hospitals participated.

A young athlete gives a thumbs up after a screening.

Athletes, Young Athletes, Motor Activity Training Program participants with profound disabilities and local Unified Partners had screenings in 7 disciplines.

5000 Special Olympics athletes have received health insurance cards as a result of Special Olympics Egypt Healthy Communities work, supported by the Golisano Foundation. In addition, health provider resources were given so that the athletes would have follow-up after their Healthy Athletes screenings.

Recommended Content

Intense Competition at the First Ever Pan African Games

The Special Olympics 1st Pan African Games, held 23rd – 31st January in Egypt, Cairo, brought together athletes from the Special Olympics African and Middle East North Africa regions.
1 Min Read

Golisano Foundation support helps expand health programming in Kenya

Ann Costello, Executive Director of the Foundation Visits Kenya for the first time and meets with athletes and teachers
1 Min Read

Special Olympics Egypt Unified Women’s Team Awarded Order of Sports Merit

Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, the president of Egypt, has awarded Special Olympics Egypt's female Unified Football team the Order of Sports Merit for the first time in history.
1 Min Read