Special Olympics Healthy Athletes screenings at the first-ever Pan African Games
Despite severe need and higher health risks, people with intellectual disabilities are often denied health services and die on average 16 years sooner than the general population.
When people with intellectual disabilities have access to health services, they also have more opportunities for education, employment, sports, and other pathways to reach full participation in society. In 1997, Special Olympics Healthy Athletes® began offering free health screenings and education to Special Olympics athletes in a welcoming, fun environment.
The first-ever Pan African Games provided a one of a kind experience, including in Healthy Athletes, with 1845 screenings in just 5 days! More than 30 partners, including universities, clinics, providers, pharmaceutical and equipment companies, and hospitals participated.
Athletes, Young Athletes, Motor Activity Training Program participants with profound disabilities and local Unified Partners had screenings in 7 disciplines.
- Special Olympics Lions Clubs International Opening Eyes (vision/eye health)
- Healthy Hearing (audiology)
- Special Smiles (dentistry)
- Health Promotion (prevention and nutrition)
- Strong Minds (emotional health)
- FUNfitness (physical therapy)
- Fit Feet (podiatry)
5000 Special Olympics athletes have received health insurance cards as a result of Special Olympics Egypt Healthy Communities work, supported by the Golisano Foundation. In addition, health provider resources were given so that the athletes would have follow-up after their Healthy Athletes screenings.
