Health & Fitness

images of the Centers for Disease Control next to the Speical Olymics logo

Health & Fitness Programs

Despite severe need and higher health risks, people with intellectual disabilities are often denied health services and die on average 16 years sooner than the general population.

Special Olympics Health, made possible by the Golisano Foundation, and in the United States in collaboration with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is creating a world where people with intellectual disabilities have every opportunity to be healthy.

Staying physically active is an important part of training for sport and maintaining and improving overall health. The bridge between health and sports, fitness is optimal health and performance through adequate nutrition, hydration, and physical activity. 

Disclaimer:  The mark “CDC” is owned by the US Dept. of Health and Human Services and is used with permission. Use of this logo is not an endorsement by HHS or CDC of any particular product, service, or enterprise.


Orlando Health logo

The Official Central Florida Health Home for Special Olympics Florida.



Healthy Athletes®

Special Olympics Healthy Athletes

Healthy Athletes offers screenings in eight disciplines, including Fit Feet, FUNfitness(Physical Therapy), Healthy Hearing, Health Promotion, Opening Eyes®, Special Smiles®, MedFest® and Strong Minds.

Healthcare professionals and students are trained to provide screenings in an effort to educate the professional community about the health needs and abilities of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

If you are a health care professional or student and want to volunteer to help at one of our health screening events, contact us to get involved.


Healthy Community

image of the Special Olympics Healthy Community logo in a green circular ribbon shapeHealthy Communities is a model Special Olympics Health program addressing the severe health disparities faced by people with intellectual disabilities (ID) through immediate and long-term community-based solutions. Healthy Communities is working to increase access to quality health care and prevention programming to improve the health status of people with ID.

To address the health disparities faced by people with ID, Special Olympics Healthy Communities program offers the following programs:

  • Health screenings in 8 different disciplines known as Healthy Athletes
  • Year-round health, fitness, and wellness programs offered at Adult Day Training centers, schools, and recreation centers
  • Training for health and fitness professionals specific to serving persons with a vast array of intellectual and developmental disabilities
  • Opportunities to participate in community sports fitness and Special Olympics programs

Contact us to learn more and get involved!

Sponsored by Special Olympics Florida and the State of Florida, Agency for Persons with Disabilities.



Learn more about your local program.

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