Training, Competition, and Health & Fitness Programs for Athletes
Sports training and competitions are a big part of Special Olympics, but it's not all we do. In addition to the year-round games and tournaments, Special Olympics also provides health screenings, education and fitness events to help our athletes stay active, form new friendships and lead healthy lives.
Special Olympics Unified Sports®
In addition to traditional sports programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities, Special Olympics Unified Sports® is offered to bring athletes with and without intellectual disabilities together to play sports, gain physical fitness, and develop friendships. Special Olympics Unified Sports® is offered in communities across Connecticut, to individuals of all ages.
Unified Sports® Programs In Schools
Special Olympics Unified Sports® is also offered in 95% of public high schools across the state, through Special Olympics Connecticut’s partnership with the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC).
Promoting Healthier Athletes
Special Olympics also provides free health screenings to athletes at events through its Healthy Athletes Program. Through the program, athletes are screened for health issues and may receive such items as prescription eyeglasses, toothbrushes and mouth guards at no cost.
In addition, Special Olympics Connecticut works with athletes to ensure they receive the follow-up care they require. Not only does the program benefit athletes who might not have access to healthcare, it also helps medical practitioners and students become more familiar with treating people with intellectual disabilities.