HEALTH Initiatives
INCLUSIVE HEALTH.
ON A TEAM OF 10 ATHLETES
6
are overweight
4
2
6
2
HISTORY & IMPACT
Special Olympics has become the world’s largest health organization for people with intellectual disabilities. Since its launch in 1997, Healthy Athletes has been offering free screenings and education for athletes to promote healthy living and detect any issues that may require further attention.
By increasing access and inclusion, our health initiatives aim to enhance the physical and social-emotional wellbeing of people with intellectual disabilities.
FREE ATHLETE HEALTH SCREENINGS
Special Olympics Illinois provides eight distinct health screening programs across the state: Fit Feet, FUNFitness, Healthy Hearing, Health Promotion, MedFest, Opening Eyes, Special Smiles, and Strong Minds.
FIT FEET
FUNFITNESS
HEALTH PROMOTION
Prevention & Nutrition
HEALTHY HEARING
OPENING EYES
SPECIAL SMILES
STRONG MINDS
Healthy Habits
Healthy Habits are interactive education stations that help build awareness of how health habits affect sport performance and everyday life. Our mission is to improve each athlete’s ability to perform in Special Olympics Illinois activities by providing health education and resources.
We currently have 10 Healthy Habit topics: Hydration, Physical Activity, Nutrition, Clean Hands & Hygiene, Emergency Preparedness, Game Day Minds, Goal Setting, Heart Healthy, Sleep Soundly, and Sun Safety.
GET INVOLVED
ATTEND A CLINIC
We host Healthy Athletes clinics throughout the year. Visit our events calendar page to view upcoming dates.
VOLUNTEER WITH HEALTHY ATHLETES
Join more than 90,000 healthcare providers and students worldwide who have volunteered with the Healthy Athletes program. Reach out to Taylor Combs, SOILL Health & Wellness Director, to get started.