Customer Spotlight

Healthy Athletes is a Special Olympics program that provides free health screenings to Special Olympics athletes in seven areas including oral health.

For more than 10 years, Special Olympics has been serving athletes by offering free health screenings and health information at local, regional and World Games. In the process, Special Olympics has become the largest global public health organization dedicated to serving people with intellectual disabilities.

At more than 1 million screenings in more than 100 countries, volunteer health professionals have brought free preventative medicine and care to athletes in dire need of basic checkups, and sometimes more. StarSmilez is proud to be part of every Special Olympics Special Smiles programs worldwide.

"I Can See the the Sun!"
Moise Ahoussimou, a poor West African boy with an intellectual disability and next to no vision, is one example. When a Special Olympics Healthy Athletes® screening was offered in Porto Novo, Benin, a volunteer doctor realized Moise had been blinded by cataracts. Though he was referred for a simple operation, Moise left his appointment with restored sight. He saw his father for the first time. “I can see, I can see trees, I can see houses, I can see the sun,” he said. He grabbed his father’s hand. “Hey! Dad, I didn’t know you are that tall!”

Miracles at Every Turn
Miracles like Moise’s happen at every screening. Dustin Plunkett of California, USA, was screened by a dentist and saved from mouth cancer. Mariam Zakhary of Egypt, fitted with a hearing aid, heard her language and her coach for the first time in her life. Stories like Mariam’s are inspiring nations like Egypt to expand their offerings to athletes. Under Egypt’s Minister of Health, Dr. Ismail Salam, all Special Olympics Egypt athletes now receive medical exams – and those who need further treatment and follow-up care are provided it by the government.

We are fortunate to have the opportunity to support the Special Olympics as they serve more than 3.4 million athletes by working with hundreds of thousands of volunteers and coaches each year.

Special Olympics activities give participants opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship. impact so many lives with Special Olympics Special Smiles.

Photo: Al E. Gator at recent event in Kazakhstan.
www.specialolympics.org