When athletes are in their best physical health, they train and compete at their highest level. Healthy Athletes not only provides health services and education, it also trains health care students and professionals who gain increased knowledge of and compassion for people with intellectual disabilities. All athletes with a current medical on file with SOWI are invited to the screenings, even if they are not competing at Spring Games.
FUNfitness screenings are conducted by Physical Therapists and physical therapy students. They assess flexibility, functional strength and balance of the athlete. After the assessment, athletes will receive a take-home booklet and education on recommended stretches/exercises personalized to them based on the results of their strength, flexibility and balance tests.
When: Saturday April 15, 2023 from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where: Kolf Sports Center (Upper Level)
Healthy Hearing conducts hearing screenings. Reduced hearing can have a significant negative impact on an athlete’s ability to respond to directions, as well as understand verbal information from coaches at practice and competitions. Hearing loss affects one’s safety and interpersonal relationships. A hearing screen is the first step in the process of identifying hearing loss and preventing its negative effects from occurring in sports and social events.
When: Saturday April 15, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: Gruenhagen, Library on the first floor across from Opening Eyes
SOWI is excited to have a collaboration with HEAR WI to bring additional Audiology services to this event! Athletes with a need identified during the Healthy Hearing screen will be referred to HEAR WI’s Mobile Audiology Clinic (MAC) for further testing, earwax removal and/or hearing aid check & cleaning. MAC will be parked outside of Gruenhagen.
HEAR WI staff welcome coaches and caregivers to take advantage of their services if there is not an athlete waiting to see them. To receive hearing services, check-in at Healthy Hearing room (Gruenhagen Library), please do not go directly to MAC.
Remember to bring your hearing aid with you to the event! Hearing aid checks and cleaning services will be offered by MAC.
Opening Eyes (sponsored by Lions Club International Foundation) preforms vision evaluations and dispenses free glasses/sport & swim goggles to those athletes who are in need. For athletes that do not need prescription glasses, they receive a pair of designer sun glasses. To participate in Opening Eyes athletes are encouraged to sign-up for an appointment time. Walk-ins are welcome if appointments are not full. Email mschoenbrodt@specialolympicswisconsin.org or call 608-442-5676 to sign up for an Opening Eyes appointment.
When: Saturday April 15, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: Gruenhagen, Titan Lounge on the first floor
Special Smiles (funding provided by Delta Dental of Wisconsin Foundation) performs dental screenings to increase awareness of oral health. At the screening, dentists and hygienists identify oral problems, while athletes are provided with hygiene education, a “goodie bag” with dental care items, fitted mouth guards and fluoride varnish!
When: Saturday April 15, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: Kolf (Upper Level), remote screen in Albee from 10:30am-2:00pm
Thank you to Delta Dental of Wisconsin Foundation, Golisano Foundation, CDC and Lions Club International Foundation for making the Special Olympics Healthy Athletes program possible!
