Healthy Athletes programs, made possible by the Golisano Foundation, has accomplished a big difference in the lives of Special Olympics athletes—most of whom do not have access to regular health care and in some cases, may not have ever seen a doctor.
Studies have shown that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) typically receive substandard care or virtually no care at all and die on average 16 to 20 years earlier than people without IDD due to preventable health conditions. Special Olympics is leveling the playing field for people with IDD to improve their health by making health inclusive and reducing health disparities to achieve health equity.
Communication gaps in care often contribute to misdiagnoses and difficulties following through on treatments. During the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, all competing Special Olympics athletes were offered free health screenings and education across seven Healthy Athletes disciplines including: Fit Feet (podiatry), FUNfitness (physiotherapy), Health Promotion (preventative medicine), Healthy Hearing (audiology), Special Olympics Lions Clubs International Foundation Opening Eyes® (vision care), Special Olympics Special Smiles® (dentistry), and Strong Minds (mental health).
Health care professionals delivering screenings and education are trained by Special Olympics to treat people with IDD so they can lead screenings in their countries on return. Screenings are provided in a fun, welcoming environment with providers wearing t-shirts and polos rather than white coats to reduce intimidation some athletes experience when going to the doctor.
“Giving the tour was exciting and I particularly wanted to share my personal experience and success within the Healthy Athletes program with my tour participants.”
“In 2022, I was severely injured while competing in alpine skiing, breaking my pelvis in three places. Strong Minds was instrumental in my recovery as it helped me cope with anxiety, learn stress-management techniques like deep breathing and squeezing a rubber ball, and most importantly, understand the importance of positive thinking. I use these skills every day and also always use them during competitions,” Wang shared.
During the summer of 2024, Wang had a conversation with Olympic gymnast, Aly Raisman, discussing the importance of mindfulness activities that help develop adaptive coping skills. The two discussed how competition provides a natural opportunity to pinpoint strategies that promote and maintain emotional wellness under stress, such as positive thinking, stress management, and connecting with others.
Wang mentioned, "Positive thinking takes effort, but it is something everyone can do. Having the right mindset goes a long way and can help you in difficult situations. There are many techniques that people can do such as breathing exercises, yoga, meditation, practicing positive affirmations, and more.”
Maintaining mental health sometimes receives less focus than physical health, yet people with IDD are twice as likely to have mental health conditions compared to the general population. Identifying Special Olympics athletes at risk of mental health conditions is one of the focuses of Strong Minds.
As the tour moved along, the attendees experienced a first-hand look at the health services provided to athletes.
For example at Fit Feet, podiatrists assessed athletes’ skin, nails, and overall biomechanics. They also educated athletes on proper foot care and hygiene. These screenings are important because up to 50% of Special Olympics athletes experience one or more preventable or treatable foot conditions. Many athletes suffer from foot and ankle pain or issues that impair their sports performance and daily lives.
At Opening Eyes® ophthalmologists, opticians, eye care professionals, and optometry students provided non-dilated vision screenings and refractions. They also educated athletes, coaches, guardians, and family members about the critical need for healthy eyes and vision in sports, work, and school.
