Some of my most enlightening moments happen when a Special Olympics athlete randomly walks into my office, plops down in a chair, and takes charge of my attention.  Such would be the case last week, when one of our athletes shared his thoughts about the upcoming State Summer Games.  "I love the Games, Wandy, because when I'm there, it is MY TIME TO SHINE!" Before I could ask him exactly what he meant by that he was out the door, leaving me with my own thoughts on the matter, which are as follows.

 

Most athletes shine when they excel at the sport they are playing.  Special Olympics athletes shine by serving as a bright light to those around them.  It is in that light that we as nondisabled people see and are seen more clearly.

Health has a vital bearing on the quality of life for individuals with intellectual disabilities and significantly affects an athlete's ability to train and compete.
 
Recognizing the importance of further promoting the health of our athletes, Special Olympics New Mexico offers the Healthy Athletes® Initiative, addressing the disparity in health care that individuals with intellectual disabilities face by providing free health screenings to athletes at Special Olympics events. Special Olympics New Mexico (SONM) provides Healthy Athletes® screenings to all athletes state-wide, in the following areas: Opening Eyes (vision), Special Smiles (dentistry), Fit Feet (podiatry), and Fun Fitness (physical therapy).