Inclusive Healthy Lifestyle groups in Schools

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People with intellectual disabilities are still the most neglected, institutionalized, excluded and underserved disability population across the world. Special Olympics Europe Eurasia Foundation’s goal is to improve the health, fitness and well-being of people with ID through health screenings and intervention programming, education and training for health care professionals, students and families of people with ID as well as community-based health and inclusive fitness initiatives. This project will work with 100 schools and institutions to engage 4.000 youth with and without ID in physical activities, health literacy and health promotion activities in four EU member states. Specifically, it wil: - Develop and implement accessible, inclusive health promotion, fitness and well-being programs in special schools and institutions adapted to the needs of students with ID led by peer-to-peer groups with and without ID supported by mentors and health experts with focus to healthy nutrition and hydration, regular health enhancing physical activity, mental health and health literacy. - Include community health services, families, local education establishments and other organizations to support inclusive and healthy school environment and improve awareness of healthy lifestyle needs of persons with ID. - Promote and raise awareness about the project activities in conjunction with the European Week of Sport, the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Berlin 2023 and other EU health initiatives. - Evaluate of project activities with focus on health outcomes of the participants. Disseminate project outcomes and results through social media, conferences and publications to key stakeholders and decision makers. Inclusive Healthy Lifestyle groups in Schools will provide a fun, social environment that encourages a holistic approach to year-round healthy nutrition, health enhancing physical activity and well being led by youth with and without ID.