For the third consecutive year, Special Olympics PEI has received the Highest Distinction as a Healthy Community through Special Olympics International. The Healthy Community distinction denotes a year-round focus on advancing the health of people with intellectual disabilities. As the largest sporting organization in the world for people with an intellectual disability, Special Olympics, with the support from the Golisano Foundation, is creating a world where people with an intellectual disability have the opportunity to be healthy.
This renewed recognition as a Healthy Community is especially significant because of the heightened health concerned faced by individuals with an intellectual disability during the global pandemic. Focusing on a reporting period of April 1, 2020 – July 31, 2021, Special Olympics PEI was quick to pivot when traditional strategies needed to be adjusted. Special Olympics PEI, with the support the trained Clinical Director professionals, was quick to move Healthy Athletes screenings, a key criterion for achieving Healthy Community status, online. Even at the height of the pandemic, Special Olympics PEI held virtual Healthy Athletes events, completing 61 free health screenings across 4 disciplines, and ensured everyone who was identified for follow-up had a place to go to address their needs.
Special Olympics PEI’s partnerships have ensured sustainability of health and wellness opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities. Almost 20% of the membership benefit from ongoing health and wellness programming which supports preventative health initiatives. This includes participation in the virtual Wellness Champions program. Special Olympics PEI members continue to be engaged in University of Prince Edward Island Applied Human Sciences research and curriculum initiatives as well. This benefits Special Olympics athletes along with providing opportunities for future leaders to gain experience working with people who have an intellectual disability.
In reaction to the news, Special Olympics PEI’s Program Director, Matthew McNally, commented, “Special Olympics PEI is certainly proud to be in an elite group of programs worldwide who have met the criteria to receive this designation. Most importantly, hearing and witnessing the impact from athletes and families directly, has validated that there is a need for this work and that Special Olympics health and wellness initiatives are effecting members lives on and off the field of play in a very meaningful way.”
The vision of Special Olympics for its health program, made possible by the Golisano Foundation, is to create a world where people with an intellectual disability have the same opportunities and access to health care as people without an intellectual disability. The Healthy Communities program addresses the severe health disparities faced by people with intellectual disabilities through immediate and long-term solutions.
About Special Olympics PEI
Established in 1987, the PEI chapter of this international movement is dedicated to enriching the lives of Islanders with an intellectual disability through the transformative power and joy of sport. This grassroots movement reaches beyond the sphere of sport to empower individuals, change attitudes and build communities. From two-year-olds to mature adults, over 650 athletes with an intellectual disability are registered in Special Olympics PEI’s year-round programs across the province. They are supported by more than 120 volunteers. Special Olympics PEI wishes to acknowledge and thank Founding Partner, PEI Mutual Insurance Company.
For more information, visit www.SpecialOlympics.ca/pei or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@Special OPEI).
For more information on the Healthy Community Program, please contact:
- Matthew McNally
- Program Director
- T: 902.368.8919 / mmcnally@sopei.com
