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Healthy Athletes

Text in image: Where do you feel stress? When you feel stress, where do you feel it the most? Circle the area below: Muscle tension; teeth grinding; lack of interest, trouble concentrating; headaches; anxiety; anger. With an illustration of a person.
Community Impact

On May 20th: Spotlight on the Importance of Emotional Well-Being: Inaugural Mental Health Action Day

Special Olympics is proud to be an inaugural partner of Mental Health Action Day and to promote Strong Minds tools that can help athletes improve their emotional wellness.
1 Min Read
A Special Olympics athlete who got free health screenings in the Healthy Athletes Program during World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 makes a heart-shaped sign with his hands while looking at camera. Spanish text in front of him reads "Together, we have the power to make sure nobody is left behind during this critical moment."
In the News

A Critical Moment for Inclusive Health

Special Olympics Latin America launches Mission Moment: Inclusive Health!
1 Min Read
Press Releases

CooperVision, Optometry Giving Sight, and Special Olympics Partner to Enhance Eye Care for People with Intellectual Disabilities

SAN RAMON, Calif., April 7, 2021 – CooperVision, Optometry Giving Sight and Special Olympics have come together to support the Special Olympics Lions Clubs International Foundation Opening Eyes® program, which aims to strengthen vision care inclusion for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The organizations have committed $300,000 through 2023 to provide Special Olympics athletes with high-quality vision and eye health screenings, prescription eyewear and sports goggles, while also providing improved education and training for eye care professionals (ECPs) and optometry students so they are better able to meet the unique needs of this marginalized group.
4 Min Read
Measure out a distance of 10 feet (if space allows) and mark with cones (or stuffed animals). Have children run this distance, pick up an object from the ground and run back to the starting point. When playing with two or more children, they can pass the object to each other after running the distance. With large numbers of children, try relay teams and races.
Athletes

Let’s Get Active—Gif Edition!

What are short, fun, and seem to be on an endless energetic loop? Gifs of course…and children!
2 Min Read
Abby Resnick competing in a swim competition.
Athletes

Strong Minds for Strange Times

Once the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Abby Resnick could no longer participate in competitions, coach floor hockey, and teach drum and tone for people with special needs. She started to look for new activities to do at home.
2 Min Read
A row of athletes sitting on chairs applauding.
Athletes

Take Care of Yourself and Your Mental Health—World Mental Health Day

“Take care of yourself and move forward” has been Joe Wu’s motto during these last few months. No longer able to compete and to practice on a regular basis, Wu—like so many others—has turned to virtual ways to connect and uplift those around him.
2 Min Read
School of Strength Athletes pose with WWE Superstar Becky Lynch
Community Impact

Special Olympics and WWE Health and Fitness Caregiver Guide

A Fitness and Nutrition Resource for People With Intellectual Disabilities
2 Min Read
Before and after photo of Cindy B.'s teeth
Community Impact

Lots to Smile About

Cindy has spent decades building skills and confidence, as well as being a role model to people with—and without—intellectual disabilities (ID). Yet, she faced a common obstacle to confidence when serious dental issues led to her losing a tooth.
1 Min Read
Sofia Storling and Cyril Lamalle celebrate at the medal ceremony for the Alpine Skiing competition.
In the News

COVID-19 Teaches Us about the Need for a Unified Approach to Health

Could World Health Day 2020 mark a milestone in global health history? Perhaps, but not in the way that one might immediately imagine.
4 Min Read
Lawrence Mwangi playing keeper and guarding the goalie's net.
Community Impact

Opening a New World at Special Olympics Opening Eyes

Lawrence Mwangi is a standout player for Special Olympics Kenya’s Floor Hockey team. His speed and skill helped the team win game after game, eventually climbing to the top of their division.
1 Min Read
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