The Healthy Athletes (HA) initiative is a health screening and education program designed for people with Intellectual Disabilities. HA Screenings are offered in seven disciplines and are administered by volunteer health care providers at sporting events throughout the year. Launched in 1997, HA has made Special Olympics the largest health care provider for people with Intellectual Disabilities in the world.
In order for athletes to perform at their best, both on and off the playing field, we believe promoting a healthy life style to our athletes is critical to their success. The Healthy Athletes program is dedicated to providing health services and education to Special Olympics athletes, and changing the way health systems interact with people with intellectual disabilities. All screenings are free to the athletes and occur throughout the year.
On a typical Team of 10 Special Olympics Athletes:
HEALTHY ATHLETES DISCIPLINES
Since officially launching in 1997 as a Special Olympics program, Healthy Athletes has grown to provide EIGHT different health screenings with the goal to improve athletes’ ability to train and compete in Special Olympics. Hover over each discipline for more information!

OPENING EYES
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Opening Eyes
The mission of Special Olympics – Lions Clubs International Opening Eyes® is to improve the quality of life for the millions of individuals diagnosed with intellectual disabilities by optimizing their vision, eye health and visual skills through quality eye care.
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STRONG MINDS
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STRONG MINDS
Strong Minds aims to teach athletes mental exercises and provide resources to increase relaxation and stress management skills.
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SPECIAL SMILES
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SPECIAL SMILES
Providing solutions to chronic dental problems, or providing an athlete with a mouth guard, can enhance the athlete’s performance.
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HEALTHY HEARING
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HEALTHY HEARING
The Healthy Hearing program serves as a global audiological screening, care, and referral program for our athletes.
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FIT FEET
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FIT FEET
Many Special Olympics athletes suffer from foot and ankle pain, or deformities that impair their performance. Athletes are not always fitted with the best shoes and socks for their particular sport.
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FUNfitness
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FUNFITNESS
FUNfitness is the comprehensive physical therapy component of the Special Olympics Healthy Athletes® initiative.
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MEDFEST
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MEDFEST
Special Olympics MedFest is a free health screening that facilitates the acquisition of the standard sports physical is required under the General Rules of Special Olympics, Inc.
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HEALTH PROMOTION
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HEALTH PROMOTION
Health Promotion is a free screening that offers health information and advice in the areas of nutrition, sun safety, bone density, tobacco cessation, and physical fitness.
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155,000 health care professionals and students have been trained to treat people with intellectual disabilities. Sign up and become a volunteer today!
Host a Healthy Athletes Screening
Hosting a Healthy Athletes event in your community is FREE! It is also a great way to ensure that athletes are able to address their individual health needs, learn the skills to improve their health as well as foster positive relationships healthcare providers.
Sign up to host a screening in your community!