Promote health and reducing health inequalities for people with intellectual disability in Europe

ended

"People with intellectual disabilities (ID) have a wide range of chronic and acute health issues and conditions. In many instances, more frequent and severe symptoms than the general population. They are twice as likely to have significant visual problems and at much younger age and are hardly ever engaged in vigorous physical activity and find it difficult to make themselves understood when speaking with health professionals. The health conditions are may be similar to the general population, the impacts can be greater on those with ID. People with ID experience higher mortality rates as a result of higher rates of cardiovascular diseases. The general objective of SOEEF is to provide year around training and competition as well as well being and health promotion initiatives for athletes across the EU 28.Furthermore the goal is to expand the network of trained coaches and health care professionals through training model, seminars and meetings. The ultimate goal is to engage more athlete, families, service providers and further stakeholders into Special Olympics programs to guaranty the growth of sport, well being and health opportunities throughout the EUan as well as have positive impact on health and well being of people with ID in general.The Special Olympics Health Program ""Healthy Athletes"" offers free of charge Health screenings and intervention for children and adults with an intellectual disabilities (ID). People with ID are often excluded from quality health care and/or have difficulties to find qualified health care providers. HA provides also comprehensive training opportunities for health care providers, families that have members with an ID, medical students and other health care experts."