Special Olympics New Jersey (SONJ) held its 6th annual Healthy Athletes® event on October 25, at the Lawrenceville Complex. Our goal was to encourage athletes to get screened and fit properly for prescription eyewear, improve their oral health, and have their hearing assessed, and we were successful in all three areas.
Healthy Athletes® provides free health screenings in a fun, welcoming environment that removes the anxiety people with intellectual disabilities (ID) often experience when faced with a visit to the doctor or dentist. We not only serve these athletes but also train healthcare professionals who then go back to their practices with increased knowledge of and compassion for people with ID.
Thanks to the generous support of the Golisano Foundation, NJ Department of Community Affairs, RWJBarnabas Health, Healthcare Quality Strategies Foundation, Bristol Myers Squibb, TD Charitable Foundation, BD, Delta Dental, and Inspira Health, SONJ provided FREE health screenings in the following disciplines:
- Healthy Hearing
- Special Smiles
- Opening Eyes
Over 100 volunteers screened 61 athletes across the three health disciplines, for a total of 141 screenings. Two of the athletes are part of our Young Athletes program, which means they both are under the age of eight years, proving that you’re never too young to be part of SONJ! The screenings were as follows:
- 51 vision assessments
- 46 dental screenings and cleanings
- 44 hearing assessments
During the screenings 67 pair of prescription eyewear were provided, including prescription glasses, sunglasses, sports goggles, or swim goggles, FREE of charge!
One athlete has had to have one tooth extracted on the spot, and clinicians were able to connect 5 athletes with urgent referrals to care.
We were deeply inspired by the incredible volunteer turnout at this year’s event. From returning volunteers whose ongoing dedication forms the backbone of our program, to the student volunteers who brought fresh energy and compassion, and our seasoned clinical professionals whose leadership elevated the care we provided – each of you played a vital role in making this event a success. We’re proud to celebrate the diverse community that powers inclusive healthcare. Without you we would not be able to provide this incredible service to our athletes, completely free of charge. Thank you!
Thank you to our amazing volunteers! 
Thank you to our amazing volunteers! 
Thank you to our amazing volunteers! 
Thank you to our amazing volunteers! 
Thank you to our amazing volunteers! 
Thank you to our amazing volunteers! 
Thank you to our amazing volunteers! 
Thank you to our amazing volunteers! 
Thank you to our amazing volunteers!
One of the most powerful moments of the event was hearing Colleen’s story – a reminder of why this work matters. Access to quality healthcare is not a given for many of our athletes. Barriers like cost, transportation, and limited provider training often stand in the way. But when we show up, we help break those barriers down. We offer more than screenings – we offer dignity, connection, and care. Whether you’re a seasoned clinician or a student volunteer, your presence made a real impact.
Healthy Athletes changes lives – not just through screenings, but through connection, dignity, and care.
