Thanks to the unwavering commitment of athletes, volunteers, and supporters around the province, Special Olympics BC's year-round health initiatives make strides in strengthening health, wellness, and access to care for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Special Olympics BC’s health work is made possible by the ongoing support of our provincial partners and fundraising events, including the leading role of the Government of British Columbia and the Government of Canada. Special Olympics BC’s barrier-breaking initiatives were also supported by the Special Olympics International 2024 Health Impact Grant, with the help of the Golisano Foundation. The RBC Foundation supported Healthy Athletes screenings.
With the unwavering support of athletes, volunteers, supporters, and partners, progress was made across the four pillars of the global Special Olympics Health program:
- Play to Prevent | Ongoing Prevention and Fitness: Health promotion, physical activity and fitness, child development, social-emotional health, nutrition, and prevention across a lifespan approach, from young athletes to older adult athletes.
- Assess to Address | Early Detection and Care Coordination: Health screenings and coordinated follow-up care for Special Olympics athletes.
- Train to Treat | Training the Health Workforce to Treat and Serve People with ID: Curricula and training to equip the healthcare workforce to better serve, and be more inclusive of, people with intellectual disabilities.
- Rise Up to Reform | Inclusive Health Advocacy for Improved Health Outcomes: Innovative, targeted policy change at the local, national, regional, and global levels to elevate the voices and health needs of people with intellectual disabilities.
In 2024, Special Olympics BC delivered these health programs and opportunities:
Special Olympics Healthy Athletes screenings
More than 102 individuals with intellectual disabilities participated in Healthy Athletes screenings hosted by Special Olympics BC in Victoria, Vancouver, Port Coquitlam, and Kelowna.
The Special Olympics Healthy Athletes program offers free screenings and education for people with intellectual disabilities in various fields, including podiatry, physical therapy, health promotion, and hearing health. Special Olympics Healthy Athletes screenings both identify health concerns and ensure individuals receive necessary treatment, whether through a referral into the health-care system or by providing assistive technology such as glasses.
Thank you to the students and faculty from Vancouver Island University, UBC, UBCO, Okanagan College, University of Victoria, SFU, and Langara College who volunteered at these screenings.
“I learned that it's always important to wear sunscreen and try to stay in the shade as much as possible so you don't get a sunburn or get skin cancer.”
-SOBC – Victoria athlete Jennifer Ferrier on what she learned from Healthy Athletes screenings
All Special Olympics athletes and local community members with intellectual disabilities are invited to participate in the Special Olympics BC Healthy Athletes screenings set to be held in conjunction with the SOBC – North Shore March Madness Basketball Tournament at Collingwood School in West Vancouver! The screening will be on March 8, 2025 and occur from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Health education and advocacy
Special Olympics BC held virtual health education sessions throughout the year, covering important topics such as mental health, dental care, nutrition, and physical activity. These sessions aimed to empower athletes and caregivers with the tools they need to make healthy choices.
Health Messenger training sessions were held throughout 2024, providing athletes with the knowledge and skills they need to educate peers and become health advocates in their communities. These sessions not only empowered athletes to take charge of their own health but also equipped athletes to inspire and support others in making healthier choices.
“Take care of yourself, eat healthy foods, always remember to stay hydrated, and always remember to get eight hours of sleep!”
-SOBC – Nanaimo athlete Sara Young on what she learned from Health Messenger training
Get excited for upcoming education events and Health Messenger training opportunities in 2025! To learn more and get involved, please contact health@specialolympics.bc.ca.
Health and fitness programs
Functional Testing sessions took place in 30 communities across the province. Special Olympics BC coaches support athletes to complete functional training exercises to help track and motivate progress, and understand fitness levels. Sessions also offer an opportunity to identify and correct technique issues, reducing injury risk and helping athletes participate in sports safely.
Special Olympics BC Club Fit programs provided athletes with a structured environment to enhance their overall wellness, including fitness, sport performance, and health. The Club Fit programs offered by communities across the province are very popular with hardworking athletes!
Fit Families & Friends programs help Special Olympics BC athletes and supporters stay active, engaged, and connected in the summer months. These programs promote physical fitness while fostering a sense of community. Athletes and their families and friends participate in fun, supportive activities together!
Stay tuned for Fit Families & Friends programs, coming summer 2025!
Youth programs
Youth programs, such as Active Start (ages two to six) and FUNdamentals (ages seven to 11), helped children with intellectual disabilities develop vital motor, sport, and social skills in supportive environments. Many children with intellectual disabilities feel left behind or isolated in traditional sport and activity programs. Special Olympics is the place where they belong and thrive.
Getting active at a younger age creates positive social experiences through fun activities, leading to a lifelong love of exercise! It also leads to improved development of physical, cognitive, and social abilities, as well as a development of self-esteem and a sense of belonging.
Working with the health system
Special Olympics BC continually strives to establish meaningful relationships with medical professionals and students, providing them with opportunities to learn how to effectively support and care for individuals with intellectual disabilities. This creates a more knowledgeable and inclusive health-care system.
We are deeply grateful to Special Olympics BC’s partners who help make our vital health work possible. A heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers and athletes across the province whose dedication has driven important progress!
Let’s all keep up the important work together to ensure people with intellectual disabilities have the same opportunity to be healthy as everyone else. Everyone can help build #InclusiveHealth!
GET INVOLVED WITH HEALTHY ATHLETES