Record Number of Screenings at State Basketball Tournament One of Many Highlights

Healthy Athletes has some exciting things in the works to help engage our athletes and allow them to become happier, healthier versions of themselves. At our State Basketball Tournament in March we hosted a mini health fair which included three separate health initiatives. 

Athletes Screened/ Impacted 

1. Health Promotion- 70 
2. Special Smiles- 69 
3. Strong Minds- 182+ 

In the past few weeks, we have also started a Healthy Athletes Facebook group where our Clinical Directors have agreed to make posts pertaining to their subject of expertise. We have challenged our Health Messengers with the task of commenting on these posts and driving engagement/discussion amongst their peers. This group is an attempt to keep health at the forefront of our athletes’ minds and allow them the tools they need for continuous self-improvement. 

We completed the Special Olympics North America Move Challenge where we had 13 active participants. The challenge is built around Special Olympics’ Fit 5 principles and has our athletes track daily their water intake, fruit/vegetable consumption, exercise and Strong Minds activities. We are currently in discussions with one of our Clinical Directors through UK’s Health Promotion Department to become a licensed Bingocize administrator. Bingocize is built to be a live, interactive 10-week wellness program that combines bingo, health education and exercise. With this platform we will be able to engage our athletes across the entire state and allow them socialization, inclusion, physical activity, and health education outside of their normal sports. The program will run from June 19 to September 4.  

We have also been prepping for SOKY Summer Games! We have received confirmation from all seven of our individual Health Initiatives to participate in our Healthy Athlete Village. We are very excited about having a full Village at the Games.  

We have started a Healthy Athlete Spotlight based on the individual’s actions to take charge of their health and well-being. Our first spotlight post went out to Jennifer Hamilton, who also has been selected to attend a National Health Messenger training in Washington D.C. this July! She will be accompanied by local coordinator Kim Johnson.  

We are excited for the direction and future of the Healthy Athletes Program. We now have 15 years of in-house data that we are going to start delivering across multiple platforms even if some of it is the ugly truth. Collaboration is taking place on best methods to get families and care givers on board with taking the necessary steps to improve our athlete’s health and quality of life. Any questions, comments, or concerns are welcomed and appreciated.

For more information about our Healthy Athletes Program contact Health and Wellness Director Brennan Smith at 502-695-8222 or [email protected].