At the end of May, athletes from the Chittenden program were busy getting ready to compete in Bocce at the 2024 Summer Games. On one sunny evening, they got to take a moment to prioritize their physical health thanks to the Special Olympics Vermont FUNfitness Healthy Athletes screening. Athletes had the opportunity to receive personalized health assessments and guidance from UVM Students from the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, before kicking off their practice.
Under the guidance of their professors and Clinical Director Joel Desautels, a Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Sports Physical Therapy, these future healthcare professionals brought enthusiasm and knowledge to the screenings, ensuring that each athlete received comprehensive care tailored to their individual needs. Athletes were encouraged to participate actively in their health assessments, learning more about their strengths and receiving valuable advice on how to optimize their physical well-being.
These screenings not only enrich the lives of the athletes, but serve as an opportunity for healthcare professionals and students to learn more about how to provide inclusive health practices to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and extend that enhanced care throughout their community.
Here's to many more moments of joy, friendship, and empowerment through sports and wellness initiatives like the FUNfitness screenings.
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