United Center to Host 17th Annual Special Olympics Illinois MedFest on November 10, 2015
Special Olympics Illinois is proud to announce that the United Center will host the 17th Annual Special Olympics Illinois MedFest on November 10, 2015 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. MedFest brings more than 1,500 aspiring and current Special Olympics athletes from across the city to the United Center where they receive free sports physicals from over 125 health professionals from Advocate Medical Group. Special Olympics Illinois provides transportation to and from the event for all athletes, bringing them in from a network of Chicago Public Schools, the Chicago Park District and private institutions. Last year over 1,600 school-aged athletes were screened.
A sports physical is required for participation in Special Olympics training and competition. The MedFest initiative makes it easier for more children and adults to gain entry to Special Olympics by removing what had been a financial or logistical barrier for many of the participants.
Beyond the free sports physical, MedFest introduces athletes to structured Special Olympics activities for individuals with intellectual disabilities, allowing them to maintain habits for a healthier lifestyle year round and potentially reducing or preventing future health concerns. This event is a model of service that has been adopted worldwide.
In addition to sports physicals athletes will have the opportunity to receive free vision evaluations from the Illinois College of Optometry staff and glasses if needed through the Special Olympics Opening Eyes program.
Lunch is provided by Levy Restaurants.
To learn more about MedFest please visit soill.org or contact Mike Rackov, Director of Program Operations, at mrackov@soill.org.
About Special Olympics Illinois: Special Olympics Illinois is a not-for-profit organization offering year-round training and competition in 19 sports for nearly 22,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities and nearly 21,000 Young Athletes ages 2-7 with and without intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics transforms the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, allowing them to realize their full potential in sports and in life. Special Olympics programs enhance physical fitness, motor skills, self-confidence, social skills and encourage family and community support. If you are interested in learning more about Special Olympics Illinois, volunteering or providing financial support to help make Special Olympics programs possible, contact your local Special Olympics agency, call 800-394-0562 or visit www.soill.org.