Special Olympics Fit Feet® is a podiatric screening for participating Special Olympics athletes evaluating ankles, feet, lower extremity biomechanics and proper shoe and sock gear. Fit Feet also provides referrals for those who require follow up services.
The objectives of Fit Feet include:
- Increase access to foot care for Special Olympics athletes, as well as all people with intellectual disabilities.
- Raise podiatrists’ awareness of foot concerns of people with special needs including difficulties involved in accessing treatment.
- Provide a list of regional podiatrists who care for people with special needs to all athletes who participate in the Special Olympics Fit Feet program.
- Develop a body of knowledge about proper foot care of children and adults with special needs.
Additional research conducted with athletes at Special Olympics events has shown:
- 50% have gait abnormalities
- 53% have skin and nail problems
- 21% have bone deformations
- 51% of Special Olympics athletes in the U.S. are wearing the wrong size shoe
Available screenings:
Fit Feet events are offered at State Basketball Finals and State Summer Games. Athletes are screened by podiatrists and podiatry students and educated on their correct shoe size as well as nail and skin care.
Information for Healthcare Professionals
Interested in becoming a Fit Feet clinical director?
Clinical Directors are an important part of the Healthy Athletes Fit Feet team. Clinical Directors are responsible for working with their local Special Olympics Program and other volunteer health professionals in coordinating a Fit Feet event in their region.
Interested in volunteering at a Fit Feet event?
Volunteer roles are available for individuals of all backgrounds including podiatrists, nurses, and students. Examples of volunteer roles available at Fit Feet screenings include:
- Screeners
- Scribes
- Patient education
- Athlete registration
- Athlete guides
To register to volunteer at a Fit Feet event contact Kellie Murphy at murph4kj@cmich.edu