The Special Olympics Healthy Athletes initiative offers basic health screenings and services to athletes. These services are delivered by qualified medical staff in a fun and welcoming way. Referral to specialised practitioners for further assessment and care is made as required.

This screening programme is offered at World Games, National Games and some regional events.

What do we know about the health of our athletes?

The Healthy Athletes screenings tell us that Special Olympics athletes have significant unmet
health needs. This highlights the need for health education and promotion as well as improved
access for people with intellectual disability to health care services.

Globally, on average, in a team of 10 Special Olympics athletes:

5 have significant problems with flexibility, and 4 with balance, placing them at risk for injuries
3 fail a hearing test
4 need eyeglasses
2 have some kind of eye diseases (e.g. glaucoma)
4 have untreated tooth decay
1 needs an urgent referral to a dentist
2 have low bone density, even though they might look healthy
6 are overweight/obese and at risk for chronic health conditions

To learn more about the health of athletes with an intellectual disability in New Zealand, please see the Athlete Health overview.

Fit Feet

Fit Feet screens athletes' feet and biomechanics.
Healthy Hearing

Healthy Hearing cleans blocked ear canals and tests hearing.
Opening Eyes

Opening Eyes screens athletes' eyes for vision and disease.
Special Smiles

Special Smiles screens athletes' oral health.
Health promotion

Improving the health awareness of our athletes through health promotion