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!”
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