FUNfitness is the physical therapy discipline of Healthy Athletes® that addresses the ongoing health needs of Special Olympics athletes.
FUNfitness provides athletes the opportunity to be examined for flexibility of hamstring, calf, shoulder rotator and hip flexor muscles. During these screenings, athletes are given guidance and exercise recommendations from physical therapists and related professionals in order to prevent and reduce the risk of injury.
Impact
FUNFitness screenings throughout the U.S. have found that a large percentage of Special Olympics athletes have the following health related concerns.
Out of SONJ athletes screened:
- 80.3% have flexibility problems
- 67.9% have balance problems
- 43.4% have strength problems
Available Screenings
FUNFitness screenings are offered at Summer Games. Education is provided at the end of the screening to address the areas that need improvement.
Volunteer Opportunities
Interested in volunteering for FUNfitness? SONJ is looking for physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, occupational therapists, occupational therapist assistants, and students in this field to help athletes flex and stretch toward top performance.
Criteria for Clinical Director
Please view the below document if you are interested in becoming a FUNFitness Clinical Director.
FUNFitness Clinical Director Fact Sheet
Current Clinical Directors: Anthony Daffner-Milos, PT; Meghan Dilley, PT; Carmela Hanna, PT; Marylou Jani, PT, MS, PCS, C/NDT
Contact
If you are interested in becoming involved in our FUNfitness screening events, please contact our Health Programs Director, Amelia Hamilton, ARH@SONJ.org.