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Special Olympics NorCal Hosts West Coast Health Messenger Training

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Athlete Health Messengers in a group photo

Special Olympics Northern California hosted a multi-state West Coast Health Messenger Conference during July 2023 in Oakland.

Athletes and mentors from Special Olympics NorCal, Special Olympics Southern California, Special Olympics Nevada, Special Olympics Alaska and Special Olympics Idaho gathered for a weekend of training and fun activities. Classes included health disparities and communication, fitness, nutrition, gameday mindsets and self-advocacy. Athletes and mentors also enjoyed social activities including a trip to San Francisco’s Pier 39 and a basketball skills session at the former practice facility for the Golden State Warriors.

“I want to make sure everyone understands that being healthy is important – in life and in sports,” said Justin V., a Health Messenger from NorCal.

Health Messengers are Special Olympics Athlete Leaders who are trained to promote healthy habits to their teammates and work with providers and students to bring awareness to care disparities in the healthcare system. Congrats to our new Health Messengers!

Special Olympics NorCal Hosts 2023 Summer Games

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Athlete receives medal at Summer Games with police officerCongratulations to all of the athletes who participated in the 2023 Special Olympics Northern California Summer Games from June 23-25 at Santa Clara University! The annual Summer Games is our largest local championship event and features three days of fun for athletes and the community.

Highlights from Summer Games included:

  • 600+ athletes competing from 31 counties.
  • View Results
  • 200+ coaches and hundreds of volunteers from the community, law enforcement, local organizations and corporate partners.
  • A festive Opening Ceremony featuring performers, keynote speeches, the Parade of Athletes, special guests and more.
  • The culmination of the 2023 Law Enforcement Torch Run at the Opening Ceremony. To date, the Torch Run has raised an incredible $350,000+ for Special Olympics NorCal!
  • 730+ free health screenings provided for athletes and members of the community with intellectual disabilities.
  • A Young Athletes Fair for children ages 2-9.
  • An Honored Guest Luncheon, a fun Olympic Village and Athlete Dance.
  • And more, all in one fun-filled weekend!

Thank you to all of our amazing coaches, volunteers, law enforcement, special guests, corporate partners, donors, families and fans for making it an unforgettable weekend! Watch highlights & view photos.

Special Olympics NorCal Provides 700+ Health Screenings at Summer Games

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An athlete participates in a Healthy Athletes screening

The Special Olympics Northern California Healthy Athletes Program provided more than 735 screenings to athletes and members of the community at the 2023 Summer Games in Santa Clara.

Healthy Athletes provides free screenings and resources to athletes in a variety of different disciplines, including: Opening Eyes, Fit Feet, Special Smiles, FUNfitness, Medfest, Healthy Hearing, Strong Minds and Health Promotion. Volunteer healthcare professionals and students gain hands-on experience treating and communicating with people with disabilities in a fun and welcoming environment.

The goal of Healthy Athletes – and the overall Health & Wellness program – is to offer screenings, resources, fitness programs, and advocacy and wellness initiatives to help all people with intellectual disabilities live their best lives, both on and off the field.

“Special Olympics has impacted my health in many great ways, especially in my own self-confidence and worth,” said Haley, a Special Olympics athlete and Health Messenger from Fresno. “My health advice to fellow athletes is to drink lots of water – but don’t drink it too fast!”

View Summer Games Photos

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