Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles

This summer I was honoured to be chosen along with another colleague to represent Scotland , indeed the UK, as part of the Fit Feet screening program at the Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles.

 So on the 28^th July we flew out to LA to join the Fit Feet team to get to work screening feet! The Special Olympics has provided free health screening and products to athletes for 15 years and is the largest public health organization in the world for athletes with intellectual difficulties. Healthy Athletes offers health screening in a number of key areas with volunteers from professional backgrounds including, dental, ophthalmology, podiatry, physiotherapy and healthy eating.

We were fortunate to have spent 3 full days at the Fit Feet headquarters within the very picturesque University of Southern California campus where we participated in the screening of athletes to evaluate a number of areas including; Shoe Exam and Shoe Size Measurement, Biomechanics, Joint Range of Motion & Static Biomechanics and Skin, Nail, Toe and Foot Exam from which we were able to recommend follow up care based on the review of our findings during screening.

The athlete’s attendance at the screening program was completely voluntary and for their efforts they were given a new pair of New Balance trainers. We in turn endeavored to accommodate every athlete who came to visit us by providing a seamless and rapid screening service with minimal waiting times for athletes, carers and coaches in what were quite difficult working conditions. We were in fact working in a large tent, with minimal equipment, grass underfoot and extremely high temperatures however the atmosphere between everyone was so positive and good fun that the time literally flew in!

This is easily one of the most life-changing, positive experiences I have had the privilege to have been a part of and something that I will never forget. I urge anyone who has the opportunity to get involved, you will not regret it!

Check out our blog here for some entries and pictures and if you have any questions I will be happy to answer them as best as I can.