Displaying items by tag: Health and Wellness

Special Olympics Utah is very excited to announce that we will be hosting our first Health & Wellness Fair in 2025!

This full day, community event will feature vital health services, exciting activities, resources and education for community members with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, along with their family, caregivers and friends. Everything, from attendance to snacks to giveaways, is completely free! We're excited to be joined by long-time clinical volunteers, Special Olympics staff, and dozens of community partners and organizations to provide this event.

Join us on Saturday, March 1st for this incredible event at Glendale Middle School in Salt Lake City from 9am to 4pm!

For detailed information about health screenings, fitness activities, nutrition demonstrations, and the community resources tabling fair that will take place, visit our Special Olympics Utah Health & Wellness Fair webpage.

For questions or special requests, please reach out to our Health Team at  or call (801) 363-1111x106.

What is STOP Diabetes?

STOP Diabetes is SOUT's first health education class series specifically for athletes and their caregivers. The aim of the program is to prevent type 2 diabetes or improve the health status of those with type 2 diabetes by asking, and answering, the following questions:

• What does my health look like currently?
• What is type 2 diabetes?
• What does it mean to be healthy?
• How does physical activity affect my health?
• How can I be physically active?
• How does what I eat affect my health?
• How much should I eat?
• How can I keep making health decisions?

Through group discussion, targeted activities and goal setting, participants will better understand their personal health, identify choices that may benefit their health, and gain the support and motivation to make meaningful changes that improve their livelihood.

Who can participate in STOP Diabetes?

Any athlete who is at-risk for type 2 diabetes or is diagnosed diabetic, and their family members or caregivers, are welcome to join the program. You may be at higher risk for type 2 diabetes if:

• You are overweight or have a high BMI.
• You are older than 45.
• You have a family member with diabetes.
• You have diagnosed high blood pressure.
• You are African American, Hispanic, Latino, American Indian, or Alaskan Native.
• You have diagnosed prediabetes.
• You exercise less than 3 days a week.
• You are currently smoking.

Class Schedule

STOP Diabetes runs continuously in 8 week sessions. You are welcome to join at any time, either in-person, virtually or by accessing recordings. The current session meets at the following time and location:

• Thursdays at 6pm; Glendale Middle School, Salt Lake City.
• Thursdays at 6pm; Virtually on Zoom, link available on SOUT Facebook page or via email.
• Recordings sent via email Friday mornings.

How can I join STOP Diabetes?

You can join our STOP Diabetes program at any time by completing one of the following:

• Email us at  with your name, phone number and the program name.
• Call us at (801) 363-1111 ext 106. If leaving a voicemail, please state your name, phone number and the program name.
• Fill out our registration form online.
• Come to a class in-person and we can register you onsite!

What is Young Athletes?

Young Athletes is an inclusive, play-based program designed for children ages 2–7 that builds essential motor and sports skills through fun, movement, and connection. Over eight weeks, children learn through engaging games, music, and interactive activities that keep them active, smiling, and growing.

Each week focuses on a key skill area, helping children build confidence step by step:

• Foundational Skills
• Walking and Running
• Balance and Jumping
• Trapping and Catching
• Throwing
• Striking
• Kicking
• Advanced Sports Skills

Who can participate in Young Athletes?

Young Athletes is a unified program where children with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities learn and play together. It’s about more than skills—it’s about inclusion, friendship, and belonging from the very start. Siblings, friends, and parents are encouraged to join in and be part of the experience. All participants must be between the ages of 2 and 7.

Young Athletes Kaysville Club - New

When: Wednesdays, April 8th through May 13th
Time: 4 pm - 5 pm
Where: Barnes Park, 950 W 200 N, Kaysville - Meet us by Pavilion #1!
Registration: Fill out the online form HERE or contact us at

An Upcoming Special Young Athlete's Event!

Swim Night for Young Athletes at Big Blue!

When: Saturday, April 11th
Time: 4 pm - 6 pm
Where: 1340 East Park Centre Dr, Cottonwood Heights
Registration: Scan the barcode above or contact us at

What are Healthy Athletes health screenings?

Healthy Athletes is a free health screening and education program for all people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities provided by Special Olympics and volunteer medical professionals for over 20 years. These health screenings help to:

• Identify urgent medical needs, provide medical referrals and provide care coordination for those with referrals.
• Provide early detection of chronic health issues and provide medical or behavior change program referrals when appropriate.
• Provide free prescription glasses, sports goggles, hearing aids and repair, and corrective medical equipment when needed.
• Provide in-person and classroom training for healthcare professionals and students on working with patients with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
• Collect health data for the largest database on the health needs of people with intellectual and/or developmental disability in the world.
• Guide future health and fitness program development and health policy changes.

Who can participate in free health screenings?

Any person age 8 or older with diagnosed intellectual and/or developmental disabilities can participate in any Healthy Athletes screening. You do not have to compete as a Special Olympics athlete to qualify. These screenings may take place at community centers, public schools, medical/healthcare professional schools, or Special Olympics sports events. You will never be charged or billed to be seen during a screening event.

What types of screenings are offered?

Special Olympics Utah currently offers health screenings and education in 6 different disciplines. A health screening event may include one, several, or all of the following disciplines:

• MedFest (General Medical): Provides a physical examination including medical history, height and weight, blood pressure check, cardiology test, orthopedic tests, and an abdominal exam. Sports physicals for those participating in Special Olympics teams are also provided when needed.
• Special Smiles (Dental): Provides a visual dental and oral health exam, fluoride varnish treatment and oral health education.
• Opening Eyes (Vision): Provides a vision and eye health exam, as well as free prescription glasses and/or sports goggles for those needing them. Participants who do not receive prescription eyewear receive a free pair of sunglasses.
• Healthy Hearing (Audiology): Provides a hearing and ear health screening, as well as free hearing aids and hearing aid repair for those needing them.
• Fit Feet (Podiatry): Provides an evaluation of foot, ankle, and lower leg biomechanics, as well as free proper socks, shoes, and/or orthotics when available.
• FUNfitness (Physical Therapy): Provides physical examination to test flexibility, functional strength, balance, and aerobic fitness. Exercise routines are sometimes given to help improve one or more areas tested.

If you are interested in attending a health screening event or have questions about the specifics of these health screenings, please contact us at or (801) 363-1111 ext 106.

Volunteer for Healthy Athletes

If you are a licensed medical professional or a health professional student who would like to volunteer at our health screening events, please contact our Health Program Manager at to learn more about the program and be connected with the appropriate Clinical Director.

Future Health Screening Development

Special Olympics Utah is in the process of adding three new health disciplines to our screenings, including:

• Strong Minds (Emotional Health)
• Health Promotion (Preventive Health and Education)
• Healthy Young Athletes (Pediatric General Medical)

We encourage any licensed medical professionals in these fields who are interested in volunteering as a Clinical Director to contact our Health Program Manager at or (801) 363-1111 ext 106.

Spring 2026 Fitness Club Schedule

More Unified Fitness Clubs Are Coming Soon to St. George, Logan, West Valley, Magna, Salt Lake City, & Kayenta, AZ Check Back for Times & Locations!

What Are Unified Fitness Clubs?

Unified Fitness Clubs are where fitness meets community—and everyone belongs.

These are fun, free, and inclusive fitness sessions designed for people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities to move, laugh, and grow stronger together. No experience needed—just show up ready to have a good time.

Every session is a mix of movement, connection, and energy. You’ll take part in exercises, games, and activities that build:

• Flexibility
• Strength
• Endurance
• Balance

But this isn’t your typical workout. One day, you might be dancing your heart out. Another day could be strength training, group games, or a walk through a local park. Each club brings its own personality, and leaders are encouraged to keep things fresh, creative, and fun. However you like to move, there’s a place for you here.

Beyond the physical benefits, Unified Fitness Clubs are about building real connections. You’ll meet new people, support each other, and be part of a welcoming, inclusive community.

We also take time to talk about wellness in a practical, approachable way. Topics might include nutrition, hydration, mental health, and healthy habits—with simple, shared goals the whole group can work toward together.

And yes—there are rewards along the way. Show up, stay engaged, and you can earn fun prizes like water bottles, t-shirts, and fitness gear. Plus, every session includes healthy snacks to keep you fueled and ready to go.

Where can I join a Unified Fitness Club?

We have Unified Fitness Clubs all over the state! These clubs take place at schools, rec centers, community centers and parks. Check the schedule below for the most current list of locations and times. We are always looking to start new clubs, so if you don’t see a location near you, please let us know. We will provide all the resources you need to start a new club.

How Can I Start a Unified Fitness Club? 

Starting a Unified Fitness Club is easier than you might think—and we’ll support you every step of the way.

If you’re interested in bringing a club to your community, reach out to our Health Program Manager at or (801) 363-1111 ext. 106 to get started.

To launch a new club, we’ll just need a few basics:

• A volunteer club leader (you or someone you know) who can commit to meeting once a week for at least 8 weeks
• A location for your club (don’t worry—we can help you find one if needed)

From there, we take care of the rest.

We’ll provide:

• Free training for club leaders
• All equipment and materials
• Ongoing support from our Health Program Team

Unified Fitness Clubs are always completely free for participants—and running a club is not a financial burden for leaders.

You bring the energy. We’ll bring the structure, support, and resources to make it a success.

Together, we’ll create a welcoming space where people can move, connect, and build healthier lives—one week at a time.