Several hundred athletes competing in gymnastics and swimming braved the rainy weather to get screened during our first weekend of Summer Games! On June 15 and 16 at Century Middle School in Lakeville, Special Olympics Minnesota offered Health Promotion screenings and provided a space for athletes to warm up and cool down before or after their races or routines.
During the Healthy Athletes screenings, participants were seen by licensed healthcare professionals and students who took vitals such as height, weight, BMI, blood pressure, heart rate and more. Athletes received educational materials on health topics such as nutrition, exercise, sun safety, and the benefits of warming up and cooling down.
Anyone who went through both health activities on Saturday received their choice of a Special Olympics Minnesota basketball or bucket hat. These incentive items were a big hit, and more will be available next weekend at weekend two of Summer Games. We look forward to helping more athletes take charge of their health at Stillwater High School on June 22 and 23.
The Healthy Athletes screenings offered in Stillwater will include FUNFitness (physical therapy), Healthy Hearing (audiology), Opening Eyes (vision) and Special Smiles (dental) on Saturday. On Sunday, only Healthy Hearing will be available. In addition to the basketballs and bucket hats, athletes can earn electronic toothbrushes and cooling towels for participating in the screenings!