An independent study led by researchers in the Faculty of Health Sciences at Ontario Tech University has found young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities participating in Special Olympics programming have a 15% reduced risk of being diagnosed with diabetes than their peers. This is groundbreaking research –the first of its kind within the Special Olympics movement – clearly
demonstrates and validates the positive impact of the community-based sport programs have on participating athletes. Read more about the new research findings by visiting the Special Olympics Canada Website.
“This is the first time that we have very strong, population-level evidence for a significant physical health benefit of participating in Special Olympics for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” says Dr. Meghann Lloyd, Lead Author and Researcher with the Faculty of Health Sciences at Ontario Tech University. “This ground-breaking study strongly demonstrates that engagement in Special Olympics goes beyond mere recreation. It provides compelling evidence that participation fosters considerable health improvements, reinforcing the notion that such inclusive sports programs are vital for the holistic well-being of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The health advantages observed underscore the importance of supporting and expanding access to these programs. Our findings advocate for the broader adoption of Special Olympics as a critical component of public health strategies aimed at improving the quality of life for this population,” shared Dr. Meghann Lloyd, Lead Author and Researcher.
Learn more: https://www.specialolympics.ca/research/2024/diabetes