Inclusive Health
Healthy Athletes
The Healthy Athletes (HA) Program is a global health screening and education initiative designed specifically for persons with intellectual disabilities (ID). It provides free, specialized health screenings and essential education across multiple disciplines, addressing critical but often overlooked health needs.
Screenings are conducted by trained volunteer healthcare professionals during Special Olympics Bharat events and other dedicated occasions throughout the year.
Since its launch in 1997, Healthy Athletes has grown to make Special Olympics the world’s largest healthcare provider for persons with ID. The program not only identifies health concerns but also educates athletes, families and communities, while encouraging healthcare systems to be more inclusive and accessible.
Our Focus
Good health is essential for athletes to perform at their best both on and off the field. The Healthy Athletes program works to:
- Improve access to quality healthcare for people with ID
- Train healthcare providers in best practices for treating individuals with ID
- Encourage healthy lifestyles among athletes, families and communities
Why Healthy Athletes Matters
People with intellectual disabilities often face sub-standard or no healthcare, higher health risks and more specialized needs than the general population. They also encounter greater barriers in accessing doctors and services.
The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that despite higher needs, people with ID are frequently denied health services and community interventions. Many are at increased risk of preventable secondary health issues — a gap Healthy Athletes is working to close.
How Healthy Athletes Works
Healthy Athletes is built on four key objectives:
- Access & Referrals – Provide event-based health screenings and connect athletes with local practitioners.
- Training – Equip healthcare professionals and students with the skills to better serve people with ID.
- Data & Insights – Collect and share information on the health status and needs of people with ID.
- Advocacy – Promote inclusive health policies and programs.
Partnerships are at the heart of its success. Special Olympics Bharat staff work alongside trained HA volunteers to create welcoming spaces for athletes, healthcare providers, and families.
Healthy Athletes Disciplines
- Special Smiles – Dental screenings, hygiene education and referrals
- Opening Eyes – Vision screenings, prescription eyewear and sports goggles
- Healthy Hearing – Hearing screenings and follow-up care
- Fit Feet – Podiatry screenings, shoe and sock recommendations
- FUNfitness – Physical therapy screenings, stretching and balance assessments
- Health Promotion – Nutrition, hydration, sun safety and tobacco awareness
- Strong Minds – Emotional well-being, stress management and coping strategies
- MedFest – History and physical examinations
Impact
Healthy Athletes has delivered millions of free screenings worldwide, uncovering treatable and preventable conditions that might otherwise go undiagnosed.
The program empowers athletes to take charge of their health, equips medical professionals to provide better care and helps build healthier, more confident communities — transforming lives beyond the sporting arena.
Young Athletes Program
Young Athletes is a playful, activity-based program for children aged 2 to 7 years, with and without intellectual disabilities.Through fun games and simple exercises like running, kicking and throwing, children develop basic sports skills while learning to play together.
This program is about creating an inclusive space where every child gets the same chance to grow, learn and shine.
What Young Athletes Offers
- Skill Development: Encourages physical growth, improves balance, coordination and motor skills.
- Learning for Life: Teaches sharing, taking turns, and following instructions skills that support success at home, in school and in the community.
- Healthy Start: Introduces the habit of staying active from a young age, building a foundation for lifelong fitness and friendships.
- Inclusive Play: Children of all abilities learn and play side-by-side, creating understanding and acceptance from the start.
Why It Matters
- Faster Motor Development: Research shows children with intellectual disabilities in Young Athletes develop motor skills more than twice as quickly as those not in the program.
- School Readiness: Parents and teachers see clear improvements in attention, communication, and cooperation.
- Raising Expectations: Families feel more hopeful about their child’s future after participating.
- Pathway to Sports: Helps prepare children to join sports teams as they grow older.
- Building Acceptance: Inclusive play teaches children without disabilities to value and respect differences.
Where & How It Happens
Young Athletes sessions can be run at home, in schools or in community spaces with simple equipment and the Young Athletes Activity Guide. Every session welcomes families, teachers and community members to be part of an inclusive team that celebrates every child’s abilities.
Family Health Forums
Family Health Forums are interactive community gatherings where parents, caregivers and siblings of persons with intellectual disabilities come together with health experts, social service providers and community leaders. These forums open doors to valuable information, resources and programs — from Healthy Athletes screenings to Young Athletes activities and help families understand how to access health care, education and inclusive opportunities.
Why We Host Family Health Forums
- A platform for connection: Families share their experiences and challenges, while experts offer guidance and practical solutions.
- Better access to care: Forums focus on breaking barriers to healthcare, learning, and social participation.
- Awareness of local services: Introduces families to Special Olympics Bharat programs and other community-based initiatives.
Topics That Matter
Each forum is tailored to local needs, with discussions covering areas such as:
- Diabetes and lifestyle management
- Oral health and hygiene
- Fitness and physical activity
- Navigating the healthcare system
- Preventing and managing common health conditions
- Accessing inclusive sports and education
Real Impact
Since these forums began, many families have benefited from:
Stronger connections with healthcare and community networks
Surveys show that most participants leave feeling more confident about improving their own health and that of their families.
Improved knowledge of health practices
Better understanding of available resources
Family Health Forums
Family Health Forums are interactive community gatherings where parents, caregivers and siblings of persons with intellectual disabilities come together with health experts, social service providers and community leaders. These forums open doors to valuable information, resources and programs — from Healthy Athletes screenings to Young Athletes activities and help families understand how to access health care, education and inclusive opportunities.
Why We Host Family Health Forums
- A platform for connection: Families share their experiences and challenges, while experts offer guidance and practical solutions.
- Better access to care: Forums focus on breaking barriers to healthcare, learning, and social participation.
- Awareness of local services: Introduces families to Special Olympics Bharat programs and other community-based initiatives.
Topics That Matter
Each forum is tailored to local needs, with discussions covering areas such as:
- Diabetes and lifestyle management
- Oral health and hygiene
- Fitness and physical activity
- Navigating the healthcare system
- Preventing and managing common health conditions
- Accessing inclusive sports and education
Real Impact
Since these forums began, many families have benefited from:
Stronger connections with healthcare and community networks
Surveys show that most participants leave feeling more confident about improving their own health and that of their families.
Improved knowledge of health practices
Better understanding of available resources
Motor Activity Training Program (MATP)
The Motor Activity Training Program is designed for athletes with severe or profound disabilities who are unable to participate in traditional Special Olympics sports. MATP focuses on customized, movement-based activities that match each athlete’s abilities, needs and pace, ensuring they can experience the joy and benefits of physical activity.
How It Works
- Activities are adapted to suit each athlete’s physical and cognitive abilities.
- Sessions are led by trained coaches and therapists, often using specialized equipment to support movement and participation.
- Athletes work on skills such as balance, mobility, coordination and strength in a safe and encouraging environment.
Why It Matters
- Participation for all: Every athlete, regardless of ability level, has the chance to be active.
- Improved health & mobility: Regular activity supports physical fitness and functional movement.
- Confidence & joy: Achieving personal goals boosts self-esteem and emotional well-being.
- Inclusion: MATP ensures that athletes with the most significant support needs are valued members of the Special Olympics Bharat community.
Beyond the Program
MATP is not about competition, it’s about celebrating progress and personal achievement. Athletes, families and coaches come together to recognise every milestone, big or small. Through MATP, Special Olympics Bharat reinforces its belief that sport is for everyone.
Healthy Communities
- Health Messengers – Athlete leaders advocating for healthy living in their communities
- Making health systems more welcoming for people with ID
- Fitness Programs – Year-round initiatives promoting physical activity, healthy eating and wellness
The Healthy Communities initiative works to improve the overall well-being of persons with intellectual disabilities (ID) by ensuring access to quality healthcare, promoting healthy lifestyles and creating supportive environments. It brings together athletes, families, healthcare professionals and community leaders to make health a shared priority.
1- Health Messengers – Athletes Leading Change
Health Messengers are Special Olympics athletes trained to become advocates for healthy living in their communities. They inspire peers, educate families and work with local organisations to spread the message of physical activity, balanced nutrition and regular health check-ups. By sharing their own stories and experiences, they help break down barriers and create lasting change.
2 – Healthy Communities works with healthcare providers and institutions to make their services more welcoming and accessible for people with intellectual disabilities.
This includes:
- Training medical professionals on inclusive practices
- Creating awareness about the specific health needs of people with ID
- Strengthening referral pathways so that athletes can receive continued care beyond Special Olympics events
3- Fitness Programs – Year-Round Wellness
Our Fitness Programs encourage athletes to stay active and healthy all year round.
Through regular physical activity, healthy eating habits and wellness education, these programs help athletes:
- Build strength and stamina
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Improve mental well-being
- Develop lifelong healthy habits
Activities range from group fitness sessions and walking clubs to nutrition workshops and home-based exercise routines, ensuring everyone can participate.
Our Goal
Healthy Communities is more than a set of programs; it’s a movement to make health and wellness a part of everyday life for persons with intellectual disabilities in India.