Health and Wellness
ONE BODY ONE LIFE!
Health has a substantial impact on the quality of life for people with intellectual disabilities (ID) and affects each Special Olympics athlete’s ability to train and compete in sports effectively.
Did you know that on average, in the United States, on a team of 10 athletes,
Related Information
Through free health exams for Special Olympics athletes, Special Olympics has amassed the world’s largest data set on the health status of people with ID, uncovering vast gaps in the health care of our athletes. There is a myth that the poor health of individuals with ID is unavoidable because it is an inherent part of their disability. Research has shown, however, that it is a result of a breakdown in health education, health promotion, and health care that can be addressed. For more myths and health facts click here.
Special Olympics Kansas is committed to providing health and wellness opportunities which will impact the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities and their supporters. Our HEALTH AND WELLNESS PROGRAM is divided into 2 categories:
- HEALTHY ATHLETES, and
- HEALTH HEROES.
Healthy Athletes
This program has been offered by SOKS since 2003 and provides health screenings free of charge to SOKS athletes at competition venues. Offered in a welcoming, family friendly and fun environment, these screenings educate athletes on healthy life style choices and identify problems that may need additional professional follow-up. Click here to learn more about the Healthy Athlete program.
Free medical screenings are offered in a number of disciplines:
- FitFeet
- Healthy Hearing
- Health Promotion
- Opening Eyes
- Special Smiles
Athletes and/or their guardians are required to sign a Healthy Athletes Consent and Release Form prior to attending Healthy Athletes screenings.
Health Heroes
The Health Heroes Program provides health education and encourages Special Olympics stakeholders (athletes, families, volunteers, and other supporters) to participate in health and wellness activities. This program is intended to assist each person to develop a healthy lifestyle and incorporates four elements:
- Fitness Program
- Bike 4 Life
- Healthy Lifestyles
- Club Fit
Fitness Program The Mission of the Fitness Program is to increase the fitness level among SOKS athletes, their supporters and other citizens in Kansas communities. Participants are asked to commit to an exercise routine and set goals. It is recommended that SOKS athletes work with a Fitness Coordinator or Training companion.
Bike 4 Life This program was developed by Coach John Lair of Pittsburg, and has an impressive weight loss record for both coaches and athletes who participate. The goal of the program is to improve the fitness level of athletes using work-out programs on stationary and non-stationary bikes.
Healthy Lifestyles is a lifestyle changing health education initiative with the goals of improving health and allowing individuals to improve their quality of life. There are six lessons: Hydration, exercise and stretching, sun safety, hand-washing and nutrition. Each month participants focus on a particular lesson.
Club Fit builds on the Fitness Program by adding a nutritional component. Participating individuals are encouraged to commit to an exercise and nutritional regime for 5 days a week and a minimum of 4 weeks.
Athlete Ashley Spriggs is testament to the power of Special Olympics. Ashley was featured in an article in SHAPE magazine about her weight loss.
Read the article here.
Ashley Before The new streamlined Ashley today!
