Call for Inclusive Health heard around the world

6 May 2022

Throughout April, Special Olympics communities around the world came together to promote Inclusive Health, better healthcare opportunities and improved wellbeing for everyone with an intellectual disability.

Despite severe need and higher health risks, people with intellectual disabilities are underserved by the healthcare system and are at greater risk of health problems than the general population. On a global scale Special Olympics Health, made possible by the Golisano Foundation, is creating a world where people with intellectual disabilities have every opportunity to be healthy.

“Access to inclusive health will allow us all to live our best lives for longer.”
Says athlete and Health Leader James Wilson.

Here in New Zealand, we offer free health screenings and education for our athletes through our Healthy Athletes Programme. At the National Summer Games in December we will be providing 5000 free health screenings in five disciplines to all our athletes, including eye examinations, dental examinations, hearing tests, podiatry assessments and general health and wellbeing.

Health screenings allow our athletes to do the sports they love for longer. At the Games up to 23% of athletes will never have had an eye exam before and approximately 800 pairs of free prescription glasses and sports safety glasses will be provided to athletes who need them.