On Tuesday, September 9, 2025, Syble Hopp School in De Pere was transformed into a hub of opportunity, wellness, and inclusion. Special Olympics Wisconsin (SOWI) hosted a Free Physical Day, ensuring that student athletes with intellectual disabilities had the medical clearance needed to participate in year-round sports training and competition.
Under Special Olympics General Rules, every athlete must complete a sports physical conducted by a physician or trained medical professional. With the support of dedicated volunteers including five medical students from the Medical College of Wisconsin–Green Bay, four residents, and one MCW professor, athletes received comprehensive, no-cost physical examinations designed to set them up for success on and off the field.
The exams covered all the essentials: registration and medical history assessments, height and weight checks, blood pressure readings, abdominal and musculoskeletal evaluations, and referrals for follow-up care if needed. Perhaps most importantly, the event created a safe and supportive environment where families could ask questions, address concerns, and feel reassured about their child’s readiness to compete.
In just two hours, 12 athletes completed their physicals, including two preparing to represent Team Wisconsin at the 2026 USA Games. For the 10 Syble Hopp students in attendance, the day marked not just a step toward sports participation but also a step toward healthier futures.
The event also provided an invaluable learning opportunity for the medical students, all of whom completed Special Olympics Wisconsin’s Inclusive Health Training beforehand. These sessions, led by trained staff and SOWI athletes with lived experiences, highlight health disparities faced by individuals with intellectual disabilities, barriers to care, and practical steps healthcare providers can take to create a more inclusive system.
That training came to life during the clinic. For many of the students, the highlight was listening to the heart murmur of one athlete—an experience they rarely encounter in a classroom setting. “It’s one thing to read about it in a textbook,” one student reflected, “but hearing it firsthand while supporting an athlete made it real.”
“Events like the Free Physical Day embody the mission of Special Olympics,” Brittany Hoegh, Senior Director of Health Programs for Special Olympics Wisconsin, remarked about the day. “This event opened doors, broke down barriers, and created an opportunity for all athletes to compete and shine. Thanks to the volunteers’ time and expertise, 12 athletes now have the medical clearance and the confidence to step onto the playing field.”
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