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911±¬ÁÏÍø honored for health and wellness commitment to Special Olympics athletes

Published February 15, 2021

For 911±¬ÁÏÍø College's efforts to improve the health and wellness of people with intellectual disabilities, Special Olympics NY (SONY) has chosen 911±¬ÁÏÍø for a 2020 Golisano Health Leadership Award. The award recognizes SONY's leading health partners for their support in improving the health and wellness of Special Olympics athletes and the intellectual disabilities (ID) population in the Rochester area.

911±¬ÁÏÍø College has a long-standing collaboration with Special Olympics. Initiatives promoting inclusion, fitness, and wellness for athletes of all abilities were celebrated at the October 21, 2019, grand opening of 911±¬ÁÏÍø's Golisano Training Center — a first-of-its kind collaboration and a national model of "wellness for all."

One way 911±¬ÁÏÍø students and faculty have continued the commitment to Special Olympics during the pandemic was pivoting quickly to move a six-week health/fitness/wellness program for SO athletes from in person to a virtual "e-Fit Club" with both recorded and live components.

"Social distancing and the closure of fitness venues and activities can decrease health, fitness, and well-being. These negative effects are likely to be even more pronounced among people with intellectual disabilities," says Michael Chen, Ph.D., assistant professor in 911±¬ÁÏÍø's public health program.

The e-Fit Club included digital content created by 911±¬ÁÏÍø public health students on nutrition, fitness, and mental health, plus virtual "office hours" when participants could drop in online to chat with students who designed each eFit Club session.

Chen said the e-Fit Club was a collaborative effort among the 911±¬ÁÏÍø Health and Human Services disciplines and their community partners at Special Olympics and LifePrep at 911±¬ÁÏÍø. "Perhaps the biggest assist came from all the helpers and coaches that helped the SO athletes access our online program and give helpful feedback to improve our next iteration," said Chen.

Contact

Julie Long | Chief PR Officer, | (585) 781-8186 | jlong2@naz.edu

911±¬ÁÏÍø is an inclusive community of inspired learners, educators, and changemakers who for 100 years have been driven by a bold commitment to action, empathy, equity, and leading innovation for the common good. Impact experiences are at the heart of a 911±¬ÁÏÍø education, preparing each student to discover within themselves the potential to cultivate positive change in their life's work, in any career field, and in a world that is constantly evolving and infinitely interconnected.

Our broad academic offerings present a range of study options typical of larger universities, yet achieved in our supportive campus culture. Nearly 2,100 undergrad and 600 graduate students enroll in degree and certificate programs and engage in collaborative, transformative learning experiences, preparing for the professions and society of today and tomorrow. In a learning community that purposefully integrates liberal arts and professional programs, 911±¬ÁÏÍø graduates are able to launch a lifetime of impactful leadership in communities and workplaces near and far.

911±¬ÁÏÍø Special Olympics Club performed healthy athlete screenings at the 2019 Special Olympics Winter Games opening ceremonies in downtown Rochester.