Alongside the competitions at our 2024 Summer season Video games, we have been happy to carry a Particular Smiles Wholesome Athletes screening, facilitated by the devoted volunteers from the Vermont State Dental Society and the Vermont State College Dental Hygiene Program.
The Particular Smiles program, a cornerstone of the Particular Olympics Well being Program, goals to supply athletes with mental disabilities entry to dental screenings, oral well being training, and preventive providers. It is a testomony to the Particular Olympics motion, making certain that each athlete not solely competes at their finest but additionally receives important healthcare help.
On the 2024 Summer season Video games, the Particular Smiles screening was a celebration of inclusivity and group. The grins seen all through the day have been these of pleasure and accomplishment. Volunteers generously donated their time and experience to conduct thorough dental screenings to over 150 athletes. Their dedication and compassion shone via as they interacted with athletes, providing light care and invaluable recommendation on oral hygiene practices.
The impression of this initiative goes past simply oral well being; it fosters a way of dignity and empowerment amongst people who usually face boundaries to healthcare entry. These screenings not solely enrich the lives of the athletes, however function a possibility for healthcare professionals and college students to be taught extra about learn how to present inclusive well being practices to folks with mental and developmental disabilities, and lengthen that enhanced care all through their group.
Allow us to lengthen our heartfelt due to everybody concerned in making the Particular Olympics Vermont 2024 Summer season Video games a powerful success. To the athletes, volunteers, and organizers – we’re so grateful to your dedication and keenness. This is to many extra years of spreading smiles and creating moments of inclusion.
