Healthy Athletes

The Healthy Athletes initiative is dedicated to providing health services and education to Special Olympics athletes, and changing the way health systems interact with people with intellectual disabilities.

Take Control of Your Health

Through free health screenings, training for healthcare professionals, and evaluation of the health status of people with intellectual disabilities, Healthy Athletes has become a powerful public health organization worldwide. Special Olympics Wyoming currently offers health screenings in four areas: FUNfitness (physical therapy/fitness), Fit Feet (vision), Health Promotion (general health), and Special Smiles (dentistry). 

Contact Gabe Lattimer, Director of Communication and Special Programs for more information on our Healthy Athletes initiative.

Special Olympics Wyoming Healthy Athlete Disciplines

Learn more about the Healthy Athletes disciplines from Special Olympics International

Medfest

MedFest was created to offer the physical exam that all athletes need prior to participating in Special Olympics sports programming. It is sometimes the first exposure these athletes have to medical care.

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Opening Eyes

The Special Olympics Lions Clubs International Foundation Opening Eyes program is changing lives in communities across the globe by providing comprehensive eye assessments, prescription eyewear, sunglasses and sports goggles to Special Olympics athletes and people with intellectual disabilities in general.

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Healthy Hearing

The Healthy Hearing discipline of Healthy Athletes provides comprehensive hearing screenings and follow-up recommendations. The main goals of this program are to inform athletes, parents, coaches or caregivers about the detection of possible ear and hearing problems, recommend follow-up as needed, and to promote the necessity of regular ear and hearing screenings.

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Special Smiles

The Special Smiles discipline of Healthy Athletes provides comprehensive oral health care information, including offering free dental screenings and instructions on correct brushing and flossing techniques to participating Special Olympics athletes.

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Health Promotion

Health Promotion, a discipline of Special Olympics Healthy Athletes, focuses on healthy living, healthy lifestyle choices, and nation-specific health issues. In addition to health education activities, health Promotion offers screenings for bone density, blood pressure, and body mass index (BMI). Its goals include encouraging and enhancing healthy behaviors and improving self-efficacy and self-advocacy.

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Strong Minds

Strong Minds is an interactive learning activity focused on developing adaptive coping skills. Competition provides a natural opportunity to develop active strategies for maintaining emotional wellness under stress, such as: thinking positive thoughts, releasing stress and connecting with others.

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FUNfitness

FUNfitness is a physical therapy event that addresses the ongoing health needs of Special Olympics athletes. FUNfitness provides athletes the opportunity to be examined for flexibility, functional strength, balance, and aerobic fitness.

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Fit Feet

Special Olympics Fit Feet offers screenings to evaluate ankles, feet, lower extremity biomechanics, and proper shoe and sock gear to participating athletes. Fit Feet helps Special Olympics athletes step lively on the playing field, and in everyday life.

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 Health News and Updates 

Find more information about recent health related events and updates here

June 20th, 2025: Athletes Attend Health Messenger Training in Kansas City 

Photo credit: Julie Peterson

Athletes Gavin Peterson, Rebecca Root, and Kayla Siebersma went to Kansas City to represent Special Olympics Wyoming and attend the national Health Messenger training. At the training they learned more about athlete leadership, maintaining healthy personal habits, and promoting health initiatives to athletes from across our state! Thank you for representing us well! 

May 1-3, 2025: Health Screenings at the 2025 Summer State Games in Gillette, WY

Athletes attending the 2025 State Summer Games in Gillette, WY had the opportunity to participate in several health/fitness based screenings and activities. 

Fit5: 57 athletes, Unified partners and families came through to participate in the exercise circuit at State Summer Games. Everyone learned an exercise in each of the 4 categories of Fit5 Fitness which include strength, endurance, flexibility, and balance.

Dental Screenings: 55 athletes received free dental screenings performed by the team at Sheridan College Dental Hygiene program. Athletes were given toothbrush kits and tips on how to make those pearly whites shine!

Feet Screenings: 65 athletes received free podiatric screenings performed by Dr. Grunfeld and his team from Black Hills Orthopedic and Spine. Athletes also received fun swag items like Under Armor socks to keep those feet happy.

April 15, 2025: Summer Fitness Challenge to be Unveiled at 2025 State Summer Games 

Looking for a way to get active to start your summer? Starting on May 1st (to be officially released during the 2025 State Summer Games), Special Olympics Wyoming will be hosting a fitness challenge to get you up and moving and take advantage of the nicer weather! Check out the challenge site to get a sneak peek and keep an eye out in the next couple of weeks for more details:https://sowy.org/beyond.../80-mile-40-hour-fitness-challenge