Health
Why We Do Health
In Canada, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) experience more health challenges and face barriers to accessing care. Many encounter significant barriers that make it difficult to access essential health services or participate in health promoting programs that others routinely receive, resulting in significant health disparities and reduced life expectancy. Special Olympics Canada is working to change this by ensuring every athlete has the opportunity to be healthy and to live well.
Good health empowers athletes to train, compete, and enjoy life to the fullest.
Inclusive health ensures people with IDD can access the same health programs and services as those without a disability. However, many continue to face significant barriers, including limited access to care, difficulties navigating the healthcare system, and a lack of healthcare provider training. Health professionals working with Special Olympics Canada have observed that individuals with IDD are at greater risk of secondary health issues — conditions that are often overlooked or misunderstood. The World Health Organization also reported that, despite these elevated health risks, people with IDD are frequently denied services and community interventions.
Special Olympics Canada addresses these challenges with practical, solution-driven programs. Our health initiatives enhance physical and social‑emotional well-being by promoting inclusion in healthcare and health promotion systems. We also provide hands‑on opportunities for healthcare providers and students, equipping them with the skills to communicate effectively and support individuals with IDD. This approach strengthens the healthcare workforce and ensures athletes receive compassionate, person‑centered care.
Participation in Special Olympics programming significantly reduces health risks and improve health outcomes for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Athletes Experience:
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A 15%lower risk of diabetes. -
A 49%lower risk of depression. -
An average 2.5‑yearincrease in life expectancy.
These improvements also create an economic benefit of $100‑150 million through reduced healthcare costs and stronger, more inclusive communities.
This is why we do health: to close the gap, to build inclusive systems, and to ensure that every Canadian with IDD has the opportunity to thrive.
Special Olympics Canada’s Approach to Health
Special Olympics Canada’s Health Strategy is aligned with the Special Olympics International Health Framework, which provides a global foundation for inclusive health. In Canada, we take a regional and flexible approach so Chapters can respond to the unique needs of athletes in their communities while working toward shared national and global goals.
Our strategy is built on four key pillars:
- Improving athlete's physical health outcomes
- Enhancing athlete's social health
- Supporting athlete's emotional wellness
- Expanding athlete's access to healthcare
Together, these holistic pillars guide our work to strengthen health systems, embed health into many program areas, and improve health outcomes. They ensure athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Canada can thrive in sport and in life.
Healthy Athletes
Healthy Athletes is a global program that provides free health screenings and education for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). As the largest public health program in the world for this population, Healthy Athletes provides free essential health screenings, education, and referrals to care — helping bridge critical gaps in health access.
Healthy Athletes screenings often uncover health issues that athletes were unaware of, connecting them to follow up care and improving long-term health outcomes. At the same time, healthcare providers gain valuable hands-on experience and training in working with, communicating with and supporting individuals with IDD. This builds stronger skills in the health workforce and reduces barriers in the wider health system.
In Canada, Healthy Athletes is delivered through local Chapters and at National Games. The program includes a comprehensive range of disciplines such as vision, hearing, dental care, foot care, physical therapy, nutrition and healthy lifestyle education, emotional well-being, and basic medical screenings.
Healthy Athletes is an important program because it improves health outcomes, builds skills in healthcare providers, and ensures athletes are included in health systems worldwide.
Currently There Are Eight Disciplines Being Offered:
- Fit Feet Fit Feet is a podiatric screening for Special Olympics athletes and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- FUNFitness FUNfitness is a physiotherapy (physical therapy) screening that examines the flexibility, strength, balance, and aerobic fitness of Special Olympics athletes and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- Healthy Hearing Healthy Hearing provides comprehensive hearing screenings, hearing aid maintenance and minor repairs, hearing aid fittings, and audiologic services, such as earwax removal, to Special Olympics athletes.
- Health Promotion Health Promotion focuses on healthy living, healthy lifestyle choices, and nation-specific health issues.
- Opening Eyes® Opening Eyes® program provides non–dilated vision screenings, refractions, and fabrication of prescription eyewear to Special Olympic athletes.
- MedFest MedFest was created to offer the physical exam that all athletes need prior to participating in Special Olympics sports programming.
- Strong Minds Strong Minds is an interactive learning activity focused on developing adaptive coping skills.
- Special Smiles® Special Smiles® provides comprehensive oral health care information, including free dental screenings and instructions on correct brushing and flossing techniques to Special Olympics athletes.
Latest Health Research
Special Olympics Canada collaborates with health researchers across the country to better understand the needs of athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These partnerships help to guide new programs, improve health outcomes, and strengthen inclusion in healthcare systems.
For the latest health news, research findings, and resources, explore the information below:
