Healthy Athletes

Despite a mistaken belief that people with intellectual disabilities receive the same or better health care than others, they typically receive sub-standard care. 

The Special Olympics Healthy Athletes program offers health services and information to athletes in need. In the process, Special Olympics has become the largest global public health organization dedicated to serving people with intellectual disabilities.

In New Hampshire, we currently offer health exams in four areas at our State Summer Games.  The exams are conducted in a welcoming, fun environment.  We educate athletes on healthy lifestyle choices and identify problems that may need additional follow up. 

Opening Eyes

The Opening Eyes initiative includes exams and education about the importance of regular eye care.  This program includes a full vision screening which will provide prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses to eligible athletes.  

Special Smiles

The Special Smiles initiative includes dental hygiene education to help ensure an adequate job of brushing and flossing as well as information on nutrition to understand how their diet affects their total health.  As part of the exams, athletes are provided mouth guards, dental floss, and in some cases referrals for additional treatment that may be necessary. 

Healthy Hearing

The Healthy Hearing initiative includes screening for hearing impairments as well as providing corrective aides, such as hearing devices, or preventive devices, such as earplugs for swimmers. 

As part of this exam, a written report of their results, including any follow up care that they may need, is provided to each athlete. 

FUNFitness

The FUNFitness exam provides information about the importance of and methods to improve flexibility, functional strength and balance in sports performance and activities of daily living.  

At the FUNFitness exam, the physical therapist assesses flexibility of the hamstring, calf, shoulder rotator, and hip flexor muscle, functional strength of the abdominal and lower extremity muscles, and balance.