Rider Athletic Training Staff Volunteers at MedFest (Special Olympics)

May, 2007

 

The Rider University athletic training staff recently volunteered its services to MedFest 2007.

 

MedFest is a Special Olympics Healthy Athletes screening program that facilitates the required standard sports physical examination for current and prospective Special Olympics athletes. First conceived at the Special Olympics Program in Chicago, Illinois, USA, MedFest is now being developed for implementation throughout the movement.

 

The Special Olympics General Rules require that all athletes who want to participate in Special Olympics must be examined by a physician or trained medical professional who completes the “medical certification” section of the Athlete Registration Form. With the help of local volunteer health care professionals, MedFest provides thousands of people with intellectual disabilities the chance to participate in year-round Special Olympics sports training and athletic competition.

 

MedFest examinations have led to the registration of thousands of new Special Olympics athletes around the world. In 2004 alone, more than 9,000 new athletes were recruited into Special Olympics through MedFest, and it is estimated that this figure doubled in 2005.

 

The physical examinations at MedFest are conducted by volunteer medical professionals and are free to current and prospective athletes.

 

Left to right, Rider assistant athletic trainer Karen Cote, Rider head athletic trainer Tim Lengle, Rider assistant athletic trainer Henry Minarick, Rider assistant athletic trainer Gina Dain, Hillsborough head ATC Eric Nussbaum.

 

Rider assistant athletic trainer Henry Minarick working with a Special Olympian

 

Rider assistant athletic trainer Karen Cote working with a Special Olympian

Rider head athletic trainer Tim Lengle working with a Special Olympian