Tulane hosts Special Olympics health fair Saturday
Special Olympics athletes prepare to compete in the 2015 Louisiana summer games, held at Southeastern Louisiana University. (Photo from Special Olympics Louisiana)
Tulane University will offer free health screenings for those with special needs and their families this weekend at a Special Olympics health fair from 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. on Saturday (Oct. 24) at the Reily Student Recreation Center, located at 31 McAlister Dr. on the uptown campus.
The event will offer free physicals and health assessments including blood pressure screenings, dental exams, nutrition advice and medication counseling by staff and students from the Tulane University School of Medicine, Xavier University and Louisiana State University School of Dentistry.
“This is a great opportunity for those with special needs or developmental disabilities to come out with their friends and families and learn more about staying active and leading a healthy lifestyle,” says organizer Dan DiGiacomo, a fourth-year Tulane medical student. “We"ll also have some fun events with cooking demonstrations, arts and crafts, as well as opportunities to learn more about getting involved in local Special Olympics teams and activities.”
Free parking is available on campus at the Diboll Complex garage. Pre-registration is encouraged but not required. Those who need transportation assistance or directions can contact Abby Gaunt at 917-836-7993 for assistance.
“We are excited to be part of the rebirth of Special Olympics in New Orleans and to help fill a critical in need in the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by providing opportunities for physical activity and social interaction,” says Gabe Feldman, New Orleans Special Olympics area team leader and an associate professor at Tulane Law School. “The Special Olympics experience shows that everyone has the capacity to be an Olympian, but also translates beyond sports, helping people to live more independent and rewarding lives.”
