Special Olympics 2002 here at DCU
20 June 2002

This year DCU is honoured to host the Healthy Athletes Programme and the Special Olympics Volleyball trials. 2003 is the first time volleyball will be an event for the Special Olympics.

Testing for the Healthy Athlete's Programme is divided into four main areas including an eye programme entitled Opening Eyes, running on the 20 June, tests athletes' eyesight to ensure that they have the appropriate glasses. The testing procedures are highly specialised and are carried out using shapes and symbols to ensure that non-English speakers are accurately examined and diagnosed. If there is an athlete who has incorrect eyewear a new pair of glasses will be made them. Safilo provide the frames, Essiloo the lenses and equipment, Topcom the equipment, and Bausch and Lomb have provided financial assistance.

The other three areas of testing will take place on the 21 June in the science building. Special Smiles provides dental checks for the athletes. Athletes will be informed about dental care and each will receive a electric toothbrush donated by Colgate.

Fun Fitness is physiotherapy testing to ensure that athletes warm-up correctly and stretch their muscles before exercise or competition.

Healthy hearing is aural testing for all athletes to ensure that hearing and balance related problems can be identified and dealt with. Athletes with hearing aids can also have these tested to check suitable.

The programme hopes to reach 1000 athletes over the coming days.