For Cori Piels, inclusive health isn’t just about ensuring she sees a doctor. It’s about feeling heard, understood.
“My mom is a big advocate for me,” explains Cori. “But there are so many other athletes who don’t have that when it comes to going to the doctor.”
That’s why, in the Special Olympics USA figure skater’s opinion, programs like Special Olympics Healthy Athletes® are so important. In providing free health screenings and health education to people with intellectual disabilities, more Special Olympics athletes can feel heard as they face medical needs.
During their free day following the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 Opening Ceremony, Cori and her team attended Healthy Athletes.
Of the seven Healthy Athletes disciplines being offered at the World Winter Games, the figure skating team attended Opening Eyes. This discipline offers free vision screenings and even provides athletes with protective eyewear or new glasses, should they need it.
“It was a wonderful experience! They really took the time to make sure I understood their questions and they listened to what I had to say,” said Cori. “They gave me new sunglasses and I’m going to get new glasses, too!” And Cori isn’t alone in her experience at the Healthy Athletes screenings.
“The volunteers are like my doctor back home, Dr. Nevins,” explained Chris McMullen, Special Olympics USA short track speed skating athlete. “He always checks on me and I feel like he understands how to work with people like me.”
In more ways than one, Healthy Athletes prepares Special Olympics athletes for competition. Each discipline plays a role in helping them reach their goals on the field of play, whether on the snowshoeing track or the Alpine Skiing slopes.
“I learned new stretches at FunFitness,” explains Shauna Jackson, Special Olympics USA floorball athlete. “I don’t normally do stretches but I know these will help me with my game, so I’m excited to start doing them at home.”
Despite severe need and higher health risks, people with intellectual disabilities often receive sub-standard health care or no health care at all. Not only does Healthy Athletes® help bridge the gap, but it also teaches Special Olympics athletes how to make better lifestyle choices, keeping them healthy off the field of play so they can be exceptional on it.
