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Healthy Athletes

Young man sitting with a monk.
Athletes

Health Screening Changes a Life: Jad’s Story

When Jad was born in Thailand and diagnosed with Down syndrome, his mother was overcome with sadness and disappointment.
1 Min Read
Special Olympics Ghana athlete receives COVID-19 vaccine at our vaccination clinic.
Community Impact

Celebrating World Health Day with Equitable Care

Everyone’s health needs should be included in the healthcare system, and people with intellectual disabilities deserve to have access to a healthcare environment that best addresses their specific health needs.
1 Min Read
Xu with a medal around his neck.
Athletes

Healthy Athletes Gives Xu Better Footing for Sports, Life

Xu has always been ready to try—even if things get tough. He was born with cerebral palsy, so sometimes it took him a little longer to reach his growth milestones. But Xu, who was born in Inner Mongolia, didn't give up.
1 Min Read
Image reads on right "SO MENA Champion of Inclusion", on left image of Dr. Bizri wearing blue clinic scrubs smiling at the camera appears on bright yellow background.
Community Impact

Celebrating Champion of Inclusion – Dr. Mohammad Haseeb Al-Bizri

Special Olympics MENA recognizes and celebrates champions of inclusion.
1 Min Read
An athlete practices their basketball skills.
Community Impact

CDC and Special Olympics Partnership: Inclusive Health: Physical Fitness

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) support work that improves the overall health and quality of life for people living with disabilities, including those with intellectual disabilities.
1 Min Read
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
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