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The emergency response and global health organization shipped 250 cases of medical supplies in advance of the World Games, which began Saturday, July 25, for use by volunteer medical professionals caring for the athletes.
The Special Olympics Healthy Athletes program will provide free health screenings in seven clinical areas for the 6,500 athletes competing from 165 countries. Athletes receive referrals for follow-up care, prescription eyewear, hearing aids and other health care needs. AmeriCares, a champion-level supporter of the games, is supplying pain relief cream to soothe sore muscles, thermal blankets, antibiotic ointment and bandages, among other supplies.
"We are proud to support the Special Olympics World Games and its work empowering people with intellectual disabilities worldwide," said AmeriCares president and CEO Michael J. Nyenhuis.
"As a global health organization, we place a high value on maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. Special Olympics promotes better fitness and nutrition for all participants?athletes, their families, coaches and volunteers."
The Special Olympics World Games, which runs through Aug. 2, will be the world's largest sports and humanitarian event in 2015 and the single largest event in Los Angeles since the 1984 Olympic Games. Athletes will compete in 25 Olympic-style sports in venues throughout the Los Angeles region.
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