Healthy athletes
stronger communities.
Special Olympics Maine offers a variety of health and wellness programs to help athletes achieve their overall health goals. Throughout the year, we provide virtual and in-person structured fitness programs, nutrition education, resources, health-focused classes for families and caregivers, Healthy Athletes® screenings, referral assistance, access to the SO Fit Now app, and more!
Grace – Health & Wellness Director
graces@somaine.org
Laurie – Marketing & Wellness Manager
lauriep@somaine.org
Ph (207) 879-0489
Why is health and wellness important?
People with intellectual disabilities experience significant health disparities compared to the general population. On average, they have a life expectancy that is 16 years shorter than their peers without intellectual disabilities. They are also twice as likely to experience obesity, five times more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes, and twice as likely to develop cardiovascular disease and asthma.
Special Olympics is working to close these health gaps by making health and wellness a core part of the athlete experience. Through year-round physical activity, health education, free health screenings, referrals to follow-up care, and training for healthcare professionals, we help athletes lead healthier lives and receive the quality care they deserve.
Together, we’re creating a future where people with intellectual disabilities have greater access to the resources, support, and healthcare they need to thrive.
Components of Health & Wellness
1
Family Health Forums
Family Health Forums provide a welcoming space for families and caregivers of people with intellectual disabilities to connect with healthcare professionals, community leaders, and local service providers.
These interactive sessions offer practical information, resources, and support while introducing families to Special Olympics Maine health programs like Healthy Athletes® and Young Athletes®. Topics vary throughout the year and may include nutrition, fitness, oral health, diabetes prevention, navigating healthcare services, and other issues that impact the health and well-being of individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Whether you’re looking to learn, ask questions, or connect with others, Family Health Forums are designed to help families feel informed, supported, and empowered.
2
Healthy Athletes® Screenings
Healthy Athletes® provides free health screenings for Special Olympics Maine athletes, helping identify unmet health needs and connecting athletes with the care and resources they need to live healthier lives.
Screenings are conducted by trained healthcare professionals and volunteers and are typically offered during the State Summer and Winter Games. Available screenings may vary by event and include:
- Healthy Hearing – Hearing screenings
- Special Smiles – Oral health and dental screenings
- Health Promotion – Nutrition, healthy lifestyle, and disease prevention
- Strong Minds – Emotional well-being and stress management
- FUNfitness – Flexibility, strength, balance, and physical therapy
- Fit Feet – Foot health, footwear, and podiatry
When follow-up care is recommended, athletes receive referrals and support from Special Olympics Maine staff to help connect them with local healthcare providers.
By identifying health concerns early and improving access to care, Healthy Athletes® helps athletes perform their best both on and off the field of play.
3
Athlete Leadership
Special Olympics Maine’s Fitness Captains and Health Messengers are athletes who lead by example, encouraging their peers to live healthier, more active lives while advocating for inclusive healthcare.
Fitness Captains motivate teammates to stay active, build healthy habits, and participate in fitness activities throughout the year.
Health Messengers receive specialized training to become educators, advocates, and public speakers who share health information, promote wellness, and help others navigate healthcare resources. They also work to raise awareness about the unique health needs of people with intellectual disabilities and advocate for more inclusive healthcare in their communities.
These leadership opportunities empower athletes to build confidence, strengthen communication skills, and create healthier, more inclusive communities—both within Special Olympics and beyond.
4
Fitness
Special Olympics Fitness helps athletes improve their physical health, build confidence, and develop lifelong healthy habits through year-round movement, education, and wellness activities.
Whether training for competition or simply looking to live a healthier lifestyle, athletes have opportunities to improve strength, endurance, flexibility, balance, and overall fitness. Programs also promote healthy nutrition, goal setting, and everyday wellness to support success both on and off the field of play.
Athletes interested in taking their commitment to health one step further can become Fitness Captains, serving as role models who encourage teammates to stay active and make healthy choices throughout the year.
5
Health Trainings
Special Olympics Maine partners with healthcare professionals, educators, community organizations, and service providers to increase understanding of the unique health needs of people with intellectual disabilities.
Our trainings help participants build confidence, improve communication, and develop practical strategies for providing more inclusive, equitable, and compassionate care. Sessions can be tailored for a variety of audiences, including healthcare systems, colleges and universities, schools, fitness professionals, community organizations, and other groups interested in creating more inclusive environments.
Together, we’re helping ensure that people with intellectual disabilities receive the quality care, respect, and support they deserve.