Health Messenger
AJPH Supplement Spotlighting Special Olympics Health Programming Demonstrates How Inclusive Public Health Spaces Improve the Health of People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Implementing strategies to improve health outcomes in all communities requires public health spaces to include people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) at the table when it comes to policy, funding and research decisions.
2 Min Read
Move More, Live Healthier Lives: Special Olympics Health Messengers, Fitness Captains, and Coaches Inspiring Their Communities to Get Moving
On World Day for Physical Activity, we’re highlighting Athlete Leaders and a coach who have taken on a variety of leadership roles to empower athletes to stay active year-round. Get to know them!
6 Min Read
Teaching Health Through Food: Kayla’s Passion for Nutrition
In celebration of National Nutrition Month, Renee Dease met with Special Olympics Michigan staff member, Health Messenger, and athlete, Kayla Cornell, to talk about how she empowers Special Olympics athletes to build healthier habits through practical cooking skills and nutrition education.
3 Min Read
A Week of Impact: Showcasing Inclusive Health at Special Olympics Ireland Site Visits
A weeklong series of site visits across Ireland highlighted innovative partnerships, athlete led initiatives, and institutional leadership advancing inclusive health for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
5 Min Read
Finding Strength in Community: Heather’s Mental Health Journey
In light of new research from Special Olympics Health published in JAMA Network Open, Renee Dease, a longstanding member of the Special Olympics movement, sat down with Special Olympics Wisconsin athlete and Health Messenger, Heather Holland, to talk about mental health, stigma, and the power of community.
3 Min Read
Special Olympics Health Messenger Valentino Vergotine Speaks at the World Health Summit 2025 in Berlin
“We have to focus on the invisible—the invisible challenges to health services and invisible people, like me.”
3 Min Read
The Mirror Image Project: Special Olympics Athletes Shine as Global Icons
The Mirror Image Project is a social media campaign by Special Olympics that invites Special Olympics athletes to recreate famous photos of Special Olympics Global Ambassadors or celebrity supporters.
1 Min Read
Advocates in Action: Special Olympics Health Messenger Trainings
This summer, Special Olympics International and Special Olympics North America teamed up to host two Health Messenger training sessions in Washington, D.C. and Kansas City, KS, training 26 athletes from 10 states.
2 Min Read
Special Olympics Showcases Inclusion and Innovation at AAIDD 2025
Members of the Special Olympics International Health and Unified Champion Schools (UCS) teams attended and presented at the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) Conference from 23 – 25 June 2025.
8 Min Read
Special Olympics Morocco Launches a National Coalition
Special Olympics Morocco launches a national coalition dedicated to championing equal, inclusive, and dignified healthcare for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
1 Min Read