A year of impact in Inclusive Health

In 2025, Special Olympics BC's Inclusive Health programming reached more than 527 people with intellectual disabilities in communities across British Columbia, supporting their wellbeing, confidence, and success in sport and in life through health screenings, education programs, advocacy training, and fitness initiatives. 

Special Olympics Healthy Athletes 

Special Olympics BC’s Healthy Athletes screenings are free, fun, and full of valuable health information for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Delivered by trained volunteer health professionals in a welcoming environment, these screenings help athletes uncover health issues, get referrals when needed, and access helpful health education.  

Participants also receive important resources including free prescription glasses, sport goggles, and sunglasses. 

In 2025, around 527 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities participated in Healthy Athletes screenings hosted by Special Olympics BC in West Vancouver, Prince George, and Cranbrook. 

Thank you to the inspiring Clinical Directors, the dedicated volunteers from health care workforce and student communities, and the general volunteers who helped make Healthy Athletes screenings possible this year.     

Screenings were done across six disciplines: Fit Feet (podiatry), Fun Fitness (physiotherapy), Healthy Hearing (audiology), Health Promotion (preventative medicine), Opening Eyes (vision care), and Special Smiles (dentistry). 

From the screenings, it was found that 75 per cent of athletes screened had untreated gait abnormalities. More than 67 per cent had skin or nail conditions on their feet, nearly 30 per cent had eye disease, and nearly 15 per cent required urgent dental referrals. Just over 20 per cent had mouth pain, missing teeth or foot deformities. 

Over the two days of screenings, approximately 1 in 4 people were referred to a doctor or medical professional.   

Fern Russell, coach and mother of a Special Olympics BC athlete, says the screenings have made a big difference in her son’s life.  

“In our case, it was a visit to the podiatrist, and it opened our eyes to: ‘wow, his toes shouldn’t look like that.’ Something as simple as that has made a big difference in his life.”   

More than 100 pairs of prescription eyewear were distributed to athletes, including 30 pairs specifically designed for floorball, a new sport Special Olympics BC began offering in 2024-25.  

“We want to help athletes perform at their best,” optometrist and volunteer Opening Eyes Clinical Director Dr. Brad McDougall told the Prince George Citizen.

“So much of sports depends on eye-hand coordination, depth perception and visual skills. A lot of athletes competing at a high level don’t have the proper vision correction to reach their peak performance.” 

More Healthy Athletes screenings to come in 2026

Special Olympics BC is excited to continue building on the momentum of Healthy Athletes as we head into 2026, with new opportunities to bring inclusive health screenings to even more communities and athletes. 

In March, Special Olympics BC plans to deliver Healthy Athletes screenings at Special Olympics BC – North Shore’s March Madness Basketball Tournament in West Vancouver. 

At the end of January, Fit Feet screenings will be offered at Special Olympics Team BC 2026 Training Squad sport camps, helping athletes identify and address foot and gait concerns as they prepare to perform at their personal bests. 

Special Olympics BC is also exploring interest in bringing Healthy Athletes screenings to Vancouver Island in the spring. 

Chest Health Initiative coming in 2026

Special Olympics BC will be offering chest health and bra fittings at screenings in 2026 to address a pressing need identified through Healthy Athletes programming in our province and research from Special Olympics Chapters across Canada.  

The bra fitting program addresses gaps in women’s health, particularly around breast support in sports. This initiative emerged in eastern Canada in 2024 when Special Olympics screenings started to identify the significant discomfort and health risks caused by poorly fitting bras. Many female athletes were unaware of their proper size, and fitting sessions revealed that improper bras were leading to physical issues like chafing and rashes.  

During fittings in Nova Scotia, 50 per cent of athletes were found to have skin issues such as yeast infections or skin breakdown. Wearing inadequate bras contributes to excessive sweating and irritation, which can lead to infections. Athletes reported significant benefits after the fittings, including increased self-confidence, improved posture, reduced chest and back pain and overall discomfort. 

One athlete shared, “I feel more comfortable about myself and my appearance after the fitting of a proper bra.” Coaches also observed immediate improvements, noting increased confidence and athletic performance, including one athlete who earned two medals after receiving her new bra. 

Watch for new opportunities to come in 2026!

Health education 

Special Olympics BC and Special Olympics Canada held virtual health education sessions throughout the year, covering important topics such as mental health, concussions, and more. These sessions aimed to empower athletes and caregivers with the tools they need to make healthy choices. 

Health Messenger and Health Hero training sessions were held throughout 2025, equipping athletes 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 help them to inspire and support others in making healthier choices.   

Looking ahead to 2026 

Get excited for upcoming education events and Health Messenger training opportunities in 2026! To learn more and get involved, please contact health@specialolympics.bc.ca 

Health and fitness programs 

Functional testing sessions took place in communities across the province to help athletes improve their health and performance! 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 provide athletes with a weekly physical training opportunity 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!  

Looking ahead to 2026 

Functional testing will continue into 2026, with sessions taking place in January at Special Olympics Team BC Training Camps and communities in each region in April 2026. And stay tuned for Fit Families & Friends programs coming summer 2026, and Club Fit programs happening year-round! 

Powered by community 

We are deeply grateful to Special Olympics BC’s partners who help make our vital health work possible, such as 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. 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!