Record Healthy Athlete Participation at 2024 Special Olympics Wisconsin Bowling State Tournament

The 2024 Special Olympics Wisconsin Bowling State Tournament was not only a showcase of skill, determination, and spirit, but also an example of the power of community care and wellness. This year, the Healthy Athletes initiative set new participation records, with athletes taking full advantage of the health screenings and services provided.

The tournament saw the highest participation since the pandemic, underscoring the importance of making health resources accessible to all athletes. Record-breaking numbers included 84 athletes receiving Healthy Hearing screenings, 86 participating in Special Smiles dental screenings, and 55 getting Medfest physicals.

For some athletes, these screenings are more than routine check-ups—they provide an opportunity to identify health concerns that might otherwise go unnoticed. One athlete, Jake Casper, exemplified the impact of these services at State Bowling. Jake had signed up for a Healthy Hearing screening, but during the exam, he experienced ear pain, which immediately caught the attention of the volunteers.

Concerned for Jake, volunteers arranged for him to be seen by a physician at the nearby Medfest station. The physician diagnosed Jake with an ear infection. Without this timely intervention, Jake might have continued to suffer without knowing the cause of his pain.

Thanks to the efforts of the medical volunteers and the coordination of Healthy Athletes services, Jake received a prescription for antibiotics, ensuring his ear infection would be treated promptly. Jake was able to continue participating in the tournament with the knowledge that he knew why he was experiencing discomfort and that relief was on the way.

“The record-breaking participation in these programs is a testament to the volunteers, medical professionals, and Special Olympics Wisconsin staff who provide the best care possible,” said Brittany Hoegh, Senior Director of Health Programs for Special Olympics Wisconsin. “It also reflects the athletes’ ownership and commitment to their own health, showing how important the Healthy Athletes initiative has become in the lives of so many.”

For Jake and all Special Olympics Wisconsin athletes, the Healthy Athletes initiative isn’t just about numbers—it’s about ensuring every athlete has the opportunity to compete at their highest potential, free from pain or untreated health conditions.