The Special Olympics Indiana team works to integrate health programs into Special Olympics sports, families, and youth programming. By doing so, regionally-specific health programs are learned to strengthen the community with health care networks and other local partners who can support the well-being of Special Olympics athletes year-round.

Good health improves the lives of people with intellectual disabilities (ID). It improves each Special Olympics athlete’s ability to train and compete in sports. Special Olympics Indiana works with global partners, governments and policy-making organizations to ensure health services, education and opportunities to reach people with ID.

People with ID are often denied health services and there is a misconception that the poor health of people with ID is due to their disability. Research has shown that the poor health of people with ID is due to a lack of health education, health promotion, and health care access.

How We’re Helping

Over the years, Special Olympics health programs have improved the health of our athletes. In many cases, the programs offered by Special Olympics have profoundly changed or saved the lives of athletes.

Through the Healthy Athletes and Healthy Communities programs, Special Olympics Indiana will reduce obesity, improve oral health, reduce rates of infectious disease and improve the hearing and vision of our athletes.