Health Framework
What do we mean by health?
The health and well-being of Special Olympics athletes significantly impacts their quality of life, influencing their ability to participate in sports programs, training, and competition.
Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities often face increased health risks, which can be exacerbated by limited access to healthcare, difficulties navigating the healthcare system, and suboptimal healthcare experiences.
Special Olympics defines inclusive health as healthcare that is accessible, effective, and designed to meet the needs of people of all abilities. It ensures that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities can fully benefit from the same health programs and services as those without disabilities, supporting their overall well-being in both sport and everyday life.
Health is holistic, encompassing not just physical health, but also mental, emotional, and social well-being, all of which are vital for an athlete's overall success and quality of life. The concept of health varies across regions, Chapters, and individual athletes, and the goal is to address these unique needs to help each athlete thrive in both sports and life.
Special Olympics Canada Health Strategy
The Special Olympics Canada Health Strategy is designed in alignment with the Special Olympics International Health Framework, which provides a global foundation to support inclusive health for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The SOI Health Framework outlines key pillars such as prevention, assessment, training, and health systems that serve as a guiding framework for countries to adapt and implement at the local level.
Building on this foundation, the Special Olympics Canada Health Strategy was co-developed with Canadian Chapters to reflect the unique health needs and priorities of athletes across the country.
While it offers national direction, it also supports the flexible implementation of health programming at the Chapter level. The concept of health can vary across regions, and this strategy acknowledges the importance of allowing Chapters to tailor their approaches based on local context, while still working toward shared national and global goals.
This alignment strengthens Canada’s contribution to the broader Special Olympics International health movement and ensures all athletes benefit from a consistent, inclusive approach to health and well-being.
What is the Goal of the Health Strategy?
The Health Strategy serves as a guiding roadmap to create a shared understanding of health across all Canadian Chapters while recognizing and respecting the unique priorities of each region. Rather than prescribing a one size fits all approach, the strategy outlines common principles and goals that help unify efforts to improve health outcomes for athletes nationwide. Its adaptable structure allows Chapters to shape their health programming based on the needs of their communities and the values of the athletes they serve. By aligning with the Special Olympics International Health Framework, the strategy promotes national cohesion while supporting local relevance.
A key health goal in Canada is to seamlessly integrate health into all SOC program areas, making it a natural and essential part of the sport experience. This means embedding health related conversations and practices into training, competition, and daily routines, encouraging athletes, coaches, and volunteers to see health not as a separate initiative but as something that supports long term participation and well-being. Through this integrated approach, we aim to normalize health as part of the athlete journey and build a stronger culture of wellness across Special Olympics Canada.