MedFest is a Special Olympics Healthy Athletes® screening program that facilitates the required standard sports physical examination for current and prospective Special Olympics athletes. The Special Olympics General Rules require that all athletes who want to participate in Special Olympics must be examined by a physician or trained medical professional who completes the "medical certification" section of the Athlete Registration Form. With the help of local volunteer health care professionals, MedFest provides thousands of people with intellectual disabilities the chance to participate in year-round Special Olympics sports training and athletic competition.

The physical examinations at MedFest are conducted by volunteer medical professionals and are free to current and prospective athletes. Exams include:

• registration and assessments of medical history
• height and weight
• blood pressure
• cardiovascular
• abdominal
• musculoskeletal evaluation
• check-out/referral for follow-up care

MedFest exams also address questions and concerns of athletes' parents and guardians.

MedFest is not intended to replace a yearly exam with the athlete's primary physician if he/she has one.

Benefits to the Community

MedFest provides people with intellectual disabilities:

• Opportunities to participate in Special Olympics sports training and competition
• Avenues for inclusion and acceptance for an underserved population
• Free clinical service that results in enhanced physical fitness and comfort with the medical community

Benefits to the Medical Community

• Interaction with people with intellectual disabilities and specialized training in assessing their health status
• A relationship with Special Olympics, the world's largest sports organization for people with intellectual disabilities

Benefits to Schools and Residential Living Facilities

• Opportunities for students to participate in exciting physical activities and competition
• A means of fostering acceptance and inclusion among student bodies by integrating schools into the MedFest program
• Heightened visibility of the school's commitment to provide opportunities to people with intellectual disabilities

For more information on MedFest or the Healthy Athletes program, or to volunteer for the Healthy Athletes program, please contact Heather Harmer at heather.harmer@somn.org or 612-604-1276.