Healthy Athletes® is the world's largest inclusive health program focused on the needs of people with intellectual disabilities. It was founded in 1997 by Special Olympics.

Special Olympics' goal is to improve the long-term health care of people with intellectual disabilities by:

• Targeting group-specific consultations and examinations
• Increasing health competencies of athletes
• Educating and increasing awareness among healthcare professionals
• Initiating political processes to improve health care

Since 1997, the Healthy Athletes® program has provided more than 2.4 million health screenings worldwide.

These interventions have a special meaning for people with intellectual disabilities. Even in today's world, many people with intellectual disabilities face severe health disparities when it comes to prevention and treatment. This is why people with intellectual disabilities are at higher risk for additional health limitations and often have poorer health in many areas.

Healthy Athletes® aims to reduce this and break down barriers to health care. The program provides participants with free health screenings, education, and referrals for continued treatment in an accessible environment.

Healthy Athletes® at the Special Olympics World Games 2023

 
When: 17-24 June 2023
(Official opening: 18 June 2023)

Where: Messe Berlin, CityCube Level A
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Be part of the Healthy Athletes® program!

The implementation of the Healthy Athletes® program requires the expertise and support of (specialist) volunteers. We are looking for people with and without a medical background, as well as students and trainees.

If you want to be a part of it, please send us an email with your name and professional background at: healthyathletes@berlin2023.org

More information and details will follow in time on this page.

If you have any questions or are interested in advance, please also feel free to contact us directly: healthyathletes@berlin2023.org