Fox Valley Special Recreation hosts sixth annual Special Olympics MedFest
Fox Valley Special Recreation hosted the sixth annual Special Olympics MedFest.
The event took place the afternoon of Oct. 16 at the FVSRA office in the Vaughan Athletic Center in Aurora. It provided athletes from across the Fox Valley region with the medical exam required for participation in Special Olympics sports and training free of charge.
Spearheaded by Fox Valley Special Recreation Athletics Coordinator Kacie Jankowski, the Special Olympics MedFest is a cooperative effort between FVSRA, Advocate Medical Group, and the Aurora University School of Nursing.
Staff and student volunteers from Advocate and Aurora University effectively screened almost 50 Special Olympians during the event.
"The event allows athletes a convenient way to access health screenings. They don't have to wait weeks for appointments, or worry about finances. They can complete their free physical under the care of Advocate Medical professionals, and ensure eligibility for participation in all the sports they love to play!," stated Alex Engelhardt, FVSRA Superintendent of Recreation. "Guardians felt comfortable having medical professionals who understand the unique qualities of their athletes."
About MedFest
According to specialolympics.org, "The newly established MedFest program recruits volunteer physicians to provide the required physical examinations for people who wish to register in Special Olympics.
MedFest began in Chicago as a screening program to help facilitate enrollment of urban athletes. The program has since become one of the most effective tools for global growth for Special Olympics, helping the movement reach its goal of 2 million participating athletes by the end of 2005."
About FVSRA
Fox Valley Special Recreation enriches the lives of individuals with disabilities through leisure and recreation to enable residents to experience an active, healthy and playful lifestyle. It was formed in 1976 and is an extension of the Fox Valley, Geneva, St. Charles, Batavia, Sugar Grove and Oswegoland park districts, and the Village of South Elgin Parks and Recreation Department.
Programs are designed to include opportunities that will enhance skill development and socialization, encourage self-awareness and community exploration, promote independence through personal choice of least restrictive environments, and provide a sense of enjoyment, satisfaction and fulfillment. The mission of Fox Valley Special Recreation is to enrich the lives of people with disabilities. Working collaboratively with member agencies and community partners, we pledge to put people first.
For information, visit www.fvsra.org or call (630) 907-1114.
Follow the Fox Valley Special Recreation on www.facebook.com/fvsra or twitter.com/fvsra.