Designed especially for Special Olympics athletes, Special Olympics Healthy Athletes® aims to improve the health and fitness of athletes so as to enrich their sporting experience. Healthy Athletes in Hong Kong includes six disciplines: Special Olympics-Lions Clubs International Opening Eyes® (vision), Special Olympics Special Smiles® (dental), Special Olympics Healthy Hearing (hearing), Special Olympics FUNfitness (physical therapy and nutritional advice), Special Olympics Health Promotion (general health and fitness) and Special Olympics Fit Feet (podiatry).
Its objectives include:
1) Improving the health of Special Olympics athletes through health screening;
2) Training healthcare professionals and students in the healthcare sector to have a better understanding and awareness of the needs of persons with intellectual disabilities;
3) Collecting, analyzing and disseminating data on the health status and needs of persons with intellectual disabilities;
4) Advocating for improved healthcare policies and programs for persons with intellectual disabilities.
To better prepare athletes for the competition, Healthy Athletes is held during every World Games.
