What is Fit Feet?

Fit Feet offers podiatric screenings to evaluate ankles, feet, lower extremity biomechanics, and proper shoe and sock gear to participating athletes. Many athletes suffer from foot and ankle pain or deformities that impair their performance.

Purpose and goals

The mission of Special Olympics Fit Feet is to improve the quality of life and long-term health of Special Olympics athletes and people with intellectual disabilities. Fit Feet screenings give athletes, coaches, and caregivers a better understanding of any existing and previously unknown foot problems. They also:

  • Offer free podiatric screenings to evaluate ankles, feet, lower extremity biomechanics, and proper shoes for Special Olympics athletes.
  • Increase access to foot care for Special Olympics athletes as well as all people with intellectual disabilities.
  • Raise podiatrists’ awareness of foot concerns of people with special needs including difficulties involved in accessing treatment.
  • Provide a list of regional podiatrists who care for people with special needs to all athletes who participate in the Special Olympics Fit Feet program.
  • Develop a body of knowledge about proper foot care of children and adults with special needs.

Importance and impact

Fit Feet screenings have found that a large percentage of Special Olympics athletes in the U.S. have untreated foot conditions.

64% have gait abnormalities

44% have skin and nail problems

29% have bone deformations

51% wear the wrong size shoe

Clinical Directors

Clinical Directors are an important part of the Healthy Athletes Fit Feet team. Clinical Directors are responsible for working with their local Special Olympics program and other volunteer health professionals in coordinating a Fit Feet event in their region.

View Clinical Director Manual

Jeff Prendergast
Health Programs Coordinator
[email protected]
763.270.7171