Inclusive Health

Name: Aurora Polar Plunge and 5K
Start: 2026-03-28T09:00:00-06:00
End: 2026-03-28T13:00:00-06:00
Location: Aurora Reservoir, 5800 S. Powhaton Rd., Aurora, CO

Special Olympics Colorado’s inclusive health programming focuses on improving the physical and social-emotional well-being of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) by broadening access and quality of care in health systems across the state.

Inclusive health means people with IDD are able to take full advantage of the same health programs and services available to people who do not have IDD. Currently, people with IDD face significant challenges in accessing quality health care and obtaining opportunities that promote fitness and wellness, resulting in pronounced health disparities and reduced life expectancy. Special Olympics Colorado’s health programming focuses on improving the physical and social-emotional well-being of people with IDD by increasing inclusion in health care, wellness and health systems.

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On a Team of Ten Athletes:

6 are overweight

4 have untreated tooth decay

2 have never had an eye exam

6 have concerns around flexibility

2 have potential hearing loss

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FUNfitness
(physical therapy)

Fit Feet
(podiatry)

Health Promotion
(better health and well-being)

Healthy Hearing
(audiology)

Medfest
(sports physical exam)

Opening Eyes
(vision)

Special Smiles
(dentistry)

Strong Minds
(mental health)

Healthy Young Athletes
(Pediatric screening)

“I am a Fitness Captain because I like helping people and solving problems with them, and understanding how their feeling and to help them by giving them good advice. I became a Fitness Captain because I like staying healthy.”

– Kian Phair, Special Olympics CO athlete & Fitness Captain

“I became a fitness captain to help my friends and family out by encouraging them and to take care of myself.”

– Heidi Barneck, Special Olympics CO athlete & Fitness Captain

“I like being a fitness captain because I like to help people and help them stay on task and if they have questions I like to answer them. I am a SOCO athlete to be the best that I can be and help my teammates out.”

– Michael London, Special Olympics CO athlete & Fitness Captain

Healthy Athletes Screenings

Special Olympics Colorado’s Healthy Athletes program offers free health exams and health information to adults and children with intellectual disabilities during select SO Colorado events. Screenings include Opening Eyes, Funfitness, Fit Feet, Health Promotion, Healthy Hearing, Strong Minds, Special Smiles and MedFest. Check our event calendar for events that will include Healthy Athlete screenings.

Fitness & Wellness

Physical fitness is a key part of the Special Olympics Colorado’s mission. Fitness is the state of optimal health and performance through adequate physical activity, nutrition, and hydration. In order for athletes to be fit, they must practice healthy habits year-round and lifelong. Fitness programming empowers athletes and their supporters to take charge of their own health and fitness by providing necessary education, social support, opportunities and tracking of progress.

Inclusive Health Offerings for Schools

Special Olympics Colorado offers four health programs designed for schools to implement in the classroom.

Healthy LEAP: Healthy LEAP is a free in-school 9-week inclusive health and fitness curriculum that provides students with and without disabilities necessary information and materials on physical and personal wellness, social and emotional health and prevention and risk management. LEAP lessons align with Colorado’s Department of Education Academic Health Standards and can aid in achievement of existing school goals.

Fit 5: A 10-week guide to achieving fitness and your personal best with physical activity, nutrition and hydration

High 5: A set of resources for youth ages 8 – 21 to help you take control of your own fitness by making healthy choices. Being fit means that you eat well, drink plenty of water, and move a lot every day. Fit kids feel good and have lots of energy because their bodies are strong and healthy.

School of Strength + Snack Zone: Fitness should be a part of every day. This program includes easy games that will get your students excited about working out and help teach them the importance of fitness. Encourage your students to work out with these videos regularly and track their progress in their Fitness Tracker. This offering is also packaged with a nutrition guide for students to do at home with their families.

If you are an educator in Colorado and would like to implement these health programs in your classroom(s), please contact us.

Providers:

A critical goal of Special Olympics Colorado’s health programming is to transform health systems and provide athletes with a great experience when they visit a health care provider. We would love to talk with your office or organization about inclusive health and provide resources to help you interact most efficiently with patients who have intellectual disabilities. Contact Jena Twete to learn more.