Healthy Athletes®

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 seven disciplines, namely Special Olympics Lions Clubs International Opening Eyes® (vision/eye health), Special Smiles (dentistry), Healthy Hearing (audiology), FUNfitness (physical therapy), Health Promotion (prevention and nutrition), Fit Feet (podiatry) and Strong Minds (emotional health).

Its objectives include:

1. Improving the health of Special Olympics athletes through health screening.
2. Collecting, analyzing and disseminating data on the health status and needs of athletes with intellectual disabilities.
3. Training healthcare professionals and students in the healthcare sector to have a better understanding and awareness of the needs of people with intellectual disabilities through services.
4. Advocating for improved healthcare policies and programs for people with intellectual disabilities.

To better prepare athletes for the competition, Healthy Athletes is held during every World Games.