What is Healthy Athletes?
Healthy Athletes, a program of Special Olympics, improves the health and well-being of athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) by providing free screenings, education, and access to care. Through Special Olympics Health, athletes gain the tools and support needed to perform at their best—on and off the field—while building healthier, more confident lives.
This work is critical, as more than 80% of healthcare providers are not professionally trained to treat individuals with intellectual disabilities. By expanding access to preventive care and inclusive health services, Healthy Athletes is helping close this gap and create a more equitable healthcare system.
How Does Special Olympics Georgia Make A Difference?
Healthy Athletes Screenings
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- Healthy Athletes is a signature Special Olympics program that provides FREE health screenings to athletes during State Games in a fun, welcoming, and inclusive environment. Special Olympics Georgia partners with licensed healthcare professionals and dedicated volunteers from across the state to offer screenings that help identify health concerns, promote healthy lifestyles, and connect athletes with follow-up care when needed. Volunteers are needed to assist in each of the eight Healthy Athletes disciplines; Fit Feet, FUNFitness, Health Promotions, Healthy Hearing, MedFest, Opening Eyes, Special Smiles, Strong Minds, Young Athletes
Volunteer Benefits:
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Volunteering with Special Olympics Georgia Healthy Athletes® is a rewarding way to use your professional skills while making a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). By providing free health screenings, you’ll help identify unmet health needs, promote healthy lifestyles, and improve access to quality healthcare for Special Olympics athletes.
As a Healthy Athletes volunteer, you’ll gain hands-on experience working with individuals with IDD, collaborate with healthcare professionals from across Georgia, and expand your knowledge of inclusive healthcare practices. It’s also an excellent opportunity to give back to your community, build professional connections, and be part of a program that is changing lives—one athlete at a time.
- Instructions on how to register for general Health Professionals or Health Professionals interested in becoming a Clinical Director can be found HERE
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Health Professional Educational opportunities:
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- Learn how to work with people with intellectual disabilities in a healthcare setting: learn.specialolympics.org
- Responsive Practice: Providing Health Care and Screenings to Individuals with Disabilities
- Responsive Practice: Accessible and Adaptive Communication
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Resources for Athletes, Coaches, Families, and Caregivers
Achieve your fitness goals with our Fit 5 Fitness Tracking and Workout Forms! These easy-to-use tools help you track your workouts, monitor your progress, and stay motivated. Perfect for athletes of all levels, they make it simple to stay on top of your training and reach your peak performance!
Workout Planning sheet Fit 5 Level 1
Workout Planning sheet Fit 5 Level 2
Workout Planning sheet Fit 5 level 3
If you are interested in volunteering at a Healthy Athletes screening, or have questions regarding SOGA’s Healthy Athletes program you may contact Leksi Whatley at leksi.whatley@specialolympicsga.org.