For 91ÖÆÆ¬³§ College's efforts to improve the health and wellness of people with intellectual disabilities, Special Olympics NY (SONY) has chosen 91ÖÆÆ¬³§ 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.
91ÖÆÆ¬³§ 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 91ÖÆÆ¬³§'s Golisano Training Center — a first-of-its kind collaboration and a national model of "wellness for all."
One way 91ÖÆÆ¬³§ 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 91ÖÆÆ¬³§'s public health program.
The e-Fit Club included digital content created by 91ÖÆÆ¬³§ 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 91ÖÆÆ¬³§ Health and Human Services disciplines and their community partners at Special Olympics and LifePrep at 91ÖÆÆ¬³§. "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.
Julie Long | Chief PR Officer, | (585) 781-8186 | jlong2@naz.edu
91ÖÆÆ¬³§ 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 91ÖÆÆ¬³§ 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, 91ÖÆÆ¬³§ graduates are able to launch a lifetime of impactful leadership in communities and workplaces near and far.
91ÖÆÆ¬³§ Special Olympics Club performed healthy athlete screenings at the 2019 Special Olympics Winter Games opening ceremonies in downtown Rochester.