The only way to end exclusion is to
have people who face these challenges daily help create the solution.
People with intellectual disabilities are guiding us toward solutions in
our health work. The Special Olympics Health Messenger program was born
out of this notion of participation. In order to create more effective
public health programs, improve health systems and engage communities to
support the health of people with intellectual disabilities, people
with intellectual disabilities must have leadership roles in the health
system.
Special Olympics Health
Messengers are athletes who are trained to serve as health and wellness
leaders, educators, advocates and role models. They are
leading their teams, families, friends and communities to pursue healthy
lifestyles, and are advocating for healthcare providers and governments
to adopt inclusive policies around health, wellness services, education
and resources for people with intellectual disabilities.
Are you or someone you know a Special Olympics Florida athlete who is dedicated to health? If so, we can help you get started as a Health Messenger. Contact us to learn more.
Our Health Messenger Motto
We
are Healthy Athletes. We are striving to promote better health. We are
inspiring others to be active. We are all individuals with initiative in
health. To advocate for all to live happy, healthier lives in the
community. Most importantly, to love yourself.
Listed below are our trained Health Messengers. They are eager to share their knowledge and passion for health with your team or organization.
Stacy loves sports, staying healthy, and exploring new activities like ballroom dancing. Through Health Promotion screenings she has learned practical tips to adopt healthier habits and loves to encourage others to do the same.
LeErin became a Health Messenger to inform others about being healthier. She enjoys stretching, walking, and running, encouraging others to keep moving. Special Smiles is her favorite screening.
Emma loves helping others make healthier choices and showing that small changes can make a big difference. She enjoys dancing and encourages athletes to track their water intake. Sun Safety is her favorite activity to protect herself from sunburn.
Rachel wants to help others maintain healthy lifestyles. She enjoys teaching healthy habits and reminds athletes to drink water. Special Smiles is her favorite screening for promoting dental health.
Tim became a Health Messenger to train other athletes in health and fitness. He emphasizes drinking water, eating healthy, and exercising regularly. FUNfitness is his favorite screening for tips on staying active.
Patrick is committed to helping fellow athletes and sharing his passion for health and fitness. He emphasizes persistence in achieving goals. FUNfitness is his favorite screening for exercises that keep athletes active.
Frank wants to inspire fellow athletes to live healthy lifestyles. He walks 10,000 steps daily and encourages others to keep moving. FUNfitness is his favorite screening for introducing simple exercises before and after sports events.
Megan enjoys swimming, surfing, equestrian, soccer, and bowling. She loves sharing healthy habits with others, especially through Zumba and dance and encourages starting with small movement.
Leigh Ann enjoys biking, rowing, walking, eating fruits and vegetables, and exercising regularly. Health Promotion is her favorite screening. She is dedicated to teaching athletes about proper stretching techniques, sun safety, and staying hydrated.
Ambers love of helping others inspired her to become a Health Messenger. She focuses on making healthcare more inclusive and enjoys walking to stay active. Healthy Smiles is her favorite screening because it reminds her to take care of her teeth.
Anne became a Health Messenger to advocate for others and share her love of yoga. She enjoys helping athletes eat healthier and maintain a clear, stress-free mind. She finds fulfillment in screenings that promote mental wellness.
Sarah became a Health Messenger to help educate other athletes. She enjoys staying fit, being outdoors, and teaching sun safety. Opening Eyes is her favorite screening to highlight the importance of protecting vision.
Caleb wants to inspire people to stay fit and live healthier lives. He enjoys triathlon and encourages regular exercise at least three times a week. FUNfitness is his favorite screening because it teaches others how to be active and fit.
Fletcher wants to teach other athletes how to be healthy through regular exercise. He enjoys working out, drinking water, and eating fruits and vegetables. FUNfitness is his favorite screening to practice balance and stretching.
Ella enjoys working with others and believes health is important for everyone. She plays tennis, swims, and encourages friends to be active while teaching healthy eating habits. She loves Fit Feet for the fun socks and support it provides.
Billy loves helping others lead healthier lives. He created a pain chart to help athletes communicate discomfort and promotes drinking more water. Strong Minds is his favorite screening for teaching relaxation and breathing techniques.
Dallas loves helping others, meeting new people, and staying involved with the Special Olympics community. His favorite activity is the Health Messenger Meetups where he can connect with other athletes and foster friendships.
Tim became a Health Messenger to encourage athletes to exercise more and eat healthier foods. He enjoys promoting daily healthy habits. FUNfitness is his favorite screening for offering a variety of exercises.
James became a Health Messenger to spread the message of healthy habits and advocate for inclusive healthcare. He encourages proper lifting techniques and likes educating other athletes about sun safety and best ways to protect their skin.
Mary Frances has been sharing her passion for healthy eating and leading yoga sessions for many years. She emphasizes staying hydrated. She loves to help with Health Promotion because she can help inspire others to make nutritious and delicious choices.
Maryann became a Health Messenger to advocate for fellow athletes health needs and enjoys sharing tips on staying active and eating healthy. Maryann loves participating in all Healthy Athletes screenings to make sure she and others are at their best.
David wants to inspire other athletes to prioritize their health. He loves track and field and enjoys sharing tips about healthy eating. His favorite screening is Special Smiles, emphasizing proper dental care to stay healthy.
Monica is passionate about helping other athletes become healthier and simplifying medical information for them. She encourages proper nutrition and exercise. Fit Feet is her favorite screening because it helps athletes stay comfortable and active.
Nicole wants to help other athletes and herself learn healthy habits while staying active. She enjoys basketball and golf and emphasizes proper hydration. Opening Eyes is her favorite screening because maintaining good eyesight is important to her.
Jennifer is passionate about helping athletes achieve their health goals. She enjoys helping others meet their health needs by teaching Fit 5 exercises to her teammates and emphasizes listening to your body.
Layla inspires people to get outside, exercise, and eat healthy. She enjoys advocating for inclusive health, swimming, and staying active outdoors. Opening Eyes is her favorite health screening, reflecting her love for eye health.
Lindsay was inspired by her family and friends to become a Health Messenger. She enjoys going to the gym and being a role model for other athletes. Health Promotion is her favorite screening for helping athletes learn about healthy habits.
Daniel became a Health Messenger to help others take action to improve their health. He is passionate about fitness, proper exercise techniques, and emotional control. Strong Minds is his favorite screening for meditation and calming the mind.
Morgan focuses on eating healthier and enjoys smoothies as part of her routine. She encourages sun protection with hats and sunglasses. Special Smiles is her favorite health screening for tips on proper dental care.
