For Dr. Tim Dutra, volunteering as a Clinical Director for the Special Olympics Healthy Athletes program boils down to one word.
Love.
In his 20+ years of working with Special Olympics athletes in multiple capacities, from treating injured athletes at Winter Games in the 2000s to serving as Clinical Director for the 2015 World Games and the 2025 NorCal Summer Games, Dr. Dutra has accumulated a lifetime of special memories.
“I have so many favorite moments, I can’t keep track,” he says. “All the athletes show so much appreciation and they are such an inspiration.
Among the many highlights of his time volunteering with Special Olympics, the unity in our community stands out.
“(Special Olympics) covers such a diversity of athletes, sports, and backgrounds,” Dutra says. “You get to educate coaches, parents, and families to a healthy lifestyle. You get opportunities to connect with great athletes, staff, and volunteers throughout the state, country, and world.”
“During the 2015 World Games I was able to connect with so many foreign athletes from my travels and participation in so many sports,” he says.
Dr. Dutra’s area of medical expertise, podiatry, is an important one for athletes. Podiatry not only focuses on the care and treatment of feet and ankles, but also encompasses lower leg biomechanics and physiology – all keys to athletic success. National Foot Health Awareness Month in April is a great reminder of the need to strive for fit feet.
“Foot health is very important,” Dutra says. Feet are a “critical area of the body for physical activities and overall health.”
“Exercise is medicine, and we want to promote an active lifestyle for all,” he says.
In addition to spending time with the athletes, Dr. Dutra also enjoys working with medical students and other healthcare providers through his work with Special Olympics.
His advice for other clinicians who are considering volunteering for Special Olympics?
“I would recommend helping out at the local level initially and seeing if it is impactful. Smile and enjoy the screenings! You will learn so much!”
This blog was written in gratitude for the incredible work Dr. Dutra has done as we celebrate his final event before retirement! We are thankful for his dedication, vision, and leadership. We truly couldn’t do the work we do without the foundation he built.
Help us honor Dr. Dutra’s legacy and keep Fit Feet alive by getting involved!
Special Olympics Northern California Health & Wellness is dedicated to supporting the overall well-being of athletes and their families—both on and off the field. We partner and train with healthcare professionals, fitness experts and local universities to provide free year-round programs and resources catered specifically to individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Want to support Special Olympics NorCal? Sign up for our digital newsletter to stay updated on volunteer opportunities, or consider joining our Preferred Provider List to offer health services to athletes in need of follow-up care. We’d love to connect—reach out and someone from our team will be in touch!