POLAND: Healthy Athletes Team on track for the Special Olympics European Games in 2010

As part of the IX Special Olympics Poland National Games held in Kielce 2-5 July, a comprehensive Healthy Athletes screening was organized in all six disciplines.  More than 90 healthcare professionals from all over Poland provided their services.  Over 1,300 athletes, family members and coaches benefited from the screenings that were held over three days. 

Local partners were Roche, providing medical equipment and blood sugar tests, and Oculus, providing optical equipment.

“The successful this event leaves no doubt that the Special Olympics Poland Healthy Athletes team is on track for the European Games next year,” said Bjoern Koehler, Initiative Manager, Healthy Athletes, Special Olympics Europe/Eurasia, who was on hand to observe the screenings.  “The Healthy Athletes clinical directors, volunteers and partners did a fantastic job – creating a professional and welcoming setting for the athletes to be screened.”

Joanna Styczen, Healthy Athletes Coordinator Special Olympics Poland, added, “We have a great pool of volunteers and highly supportive partners who have all demonstrated that they will be ready for the European Games next year.  The families were particularly pleased with the care their loved ones received.”
 

Photo: Special Smiles Volunteers educate Athletes in correct brushing and flossing. Photo courtesy of Special Olympics Europe/Eurasia