Inclusive Health

The world changed in 2020. Isolation, fear, overloaded health systems, and food insecurity continue to plague the world through the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has especially made things difficult for people with intellectual disabilities (ID). Significant health disparities have been further exacerbated for those with ID. Special Olympics Health has been working hard to address these disparities.

“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.

Special Olympics Chief Health Officer, Dr. Alicia Bazzano MD, PhD, MPH was a recent guest on the Ben & Bilal Show that airs on Canada Talks SiriusXM 167. They discussed the training, fitness and emotional support available virtually to athletes due to physical distancing related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Special Olympics Global Ambassador Maureen McCormick recently spoke to Kelsey Nicole Nelson on KNN/Fox Sports Radio. They discussed family members with intellectual disabilities, Special Olympics sporting competition, Unified Champion Schools and Inclusive Health.

This year, Special Olympics launched the School of Strength fitness campaign in response to athletes’ need for at-home workouts. Athletes in the United States and around the world accepted the challenge to get fit and have fun while doing it.

Special Olympics Sargent Shriver International Global Messenger Daniel Smrokowski is the founder and host of the podcast Special Chronicles Show, which he started in 2008 to give voice to people with special needs.

Special Olympics Chief Health Officer Dr. Alicia Bazzano and Chief of Sport and Competition Lou Lauria were guests on Sports Byline USA’s internet radio show “Titillating Sports,” hosted by Rick Tittle.

Realizing the Bright Future of Your Child: An Intellectual Disability Resource for New Parents

A Fitness and Nutrition Resource for People With Intellectual Disabilities

The American Academy of Developmental Medicine & Dentistry (AADMD) recently invited Dr. Alicia Bazzano, Special Olympics Chief Health Officer, to keynote a webinar titled COVID-19 and People with ID: Special Olympics Responds.