As a part of our commitment as a Healthy Community, we are always looking at ways to improve the overall well-being of our athletes even when they are not officially training and competing. In addition to free health screenings through our Healthy Athletes program, we provide a number of initiatives developed to support the overall well-being of our athletes.
Healthy Athletes Opening Eyes – SONJ Summer Games 2025 
Healthy Athletes Healthy Hearing – SONJ Summer Games 2025 
Healthy Athletes Special Smiles – SONJ Summer Games 2025 
Healthy Athletes FUNfitness – SONJ Summer Games 2025 
Healthy Athletes FitFeet – SONJ Summer Games 2025 
Healthy Athletes FUNfitness – SONJ Summer Games 2025 
Healthy Athletes Health Promotion – SONJ Summer Games 2025 
Healthy Communities Concussion Education – SONJ Summer Games 2025
One example of these wellness programs is the Walking Club. This program brings together people with and without intellectual disabilities and provides opportunities for physical fitness while inspiring friendship among participants. Each walking club meets regularly at a location within its own community and is led by a team leader.
A typical walk at Grounds for Sculpture starts with socializing, warm-ups, lots of interesting and fun facts about the location in general and the sculptures, and, obviously, walking through a wonderfully maintained park.
Warmups and stretches – Walking Club at Grounds for Sculpture 
Always the right time for a quick dance – Walking Club at Grounds for Sculpture 
Hugs – Walking Club at Grounds for Sculpture 
Exploring one of the sculptures – Walking Club at Grounds for Sculpture 
Fun for the whole family – Walking Club at Grounds for Sculpture
Barbara Flag, Pina DiCarlo, and many other dedicated GFS wellness volunteers have led walks tailored to a variety of paces, ensuring everyone feels included. They have built meaningful connections with our families and have truly become part of the Walking Club community. Beyond guiding the walks, they help athletes form friendships, and they enrich the experience by sharing insights about art and nature along the way.
“Walking Club allows me to connect with other athletes while being outside and enjoying the sculptures”, says Special Olympics New Jersey athlete Noelle Anglade. “And it helps me have more fitness in my life.”
Noelle Anglade (l) – Walking Club at Grounds for Sculpture 
Walking among sculptures – Walking Club at Grounds for Sculpture 
Peacock! – Walking Club at Grounds for Sculpture 
Admiring one of the exhibits – Walking Club at Grounds for Sculpture 
Learning interesting facts – Walking Club at Grounds for Sculpture
Since the launch of this season’s Walking Club, we’ve had the pleasure of reaching over 100 athletes and families between April and now. For example, Grounds For Sculpture (GFS) hosts a wellness walk for Special Olympics New Jersey athletes and their families once a month, creating a unique and enriching experience.
Interested in joining a Walking Club or one of our other wellness programs? See here for our current events.