Special Olympics Health Messengers: Inspiring Active Lifestyles

An athlete standing in front of a group of athletes, leading them through a fitness activity outside on a grass field.

World Day for Physical Activity: A Call to Action

The World Day for Physical Activity is celebrated globally on 6 April each year, highlighting the significance of remaining active through sports and physical fitness. Physical fitness is central to the mission of Special Olympics, which promotes year-round fitness activities for athletes and their communities to enhance health and sports performance.

A 2018 survey revealed that 58% of Special Olympics athletes joined to stay fit and healthy. Engaging in physical activities not only boosts athletic performance but also helps prevent and manage chronic diseases, alleviates symptoms of mental health issues, and fosters overall well-being.

Championing Healthy Lifestyles through Health Messengers

Special Olympics champions healthy living through the Health Messenger program. Health Messengers, trained Special Olympics athletes, emerge as health and wellness leaders, conducting educational and fitness activities while advocating for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Since its inception in 2016, over 5,000 athletes have received training, empowering them to inspire their communities to maintain active lifestyles. This World Day for Physical Activity, Special Olympics recognizes four notable Health Messengers for their dedication.

Meet Inspiring Health Messengers

1. José Miguel Ramírez González – Special Olympics Colombia

An athlete standing on the pool deck teaches swimming drills to swimmers that are in the pool.

José Miguel Ramírez González, a Special Olympics Colombia athlete teaches swim drills and leads a practice.

José Miguel Ramírez González is a dedicated swimmer who believes fitness has the power to inspire. He leads by example and motivates his peers by setting personal goals. He states, ‘We motivate ourselves every day to improve our physical activity goals. For instance, if I ran 5 kilometers yesterday, my goal for the next day is to increase the distance I ran.’

2. Joe MacNamara – Special Olympics Ireland

Three individuals around a table, two sitting down and one standing, reviewing photos of different types of foods.

Joe MacNamara educates his teammates about nutrition.

Joe MacNamara actively promotes fitness and nutrition within his community. He believes in the benefits of being active and supports his teammates and local families to stay fit. He shares, ‘It is good to take fresh air and walking is good for health and well-being.’ His focus on mental health underscores the broader benefits of physical activity.

3. Urimondjira Ruzo – Special Olympics Namibia

Three individuals standing on an outdoor grass field with orange cones lined up before a fitness drill.

Urimondjira Ruzo prepares and organizes a community physical fitness drill.

Urimondjira Ruzo is a committed dual-sport athlete and community leader. His involvement in local sports promotes friendships and well-being. Reflecting on the importance of fitness, he asserts, ‘Physical activity keeps me healthy and helps me make friends.’

4. Armando Renta – Special Olympics Puerto Rico

Multiple athletes standing on deck at a swimming pool with two athletes standing on swim block preparing to dive into the pool.

Armando Renta instructs swimmers during a fitness activity.

Armando Renta, an accomplished swimmer, encourages youth to engage in physical activities. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining good health through fitness. He states, ‘Physical activity is important for everyone. Swimming is fun and encourages a healthier lifestyle.’

Encouraging Active Communities

Health Messengers like José, Joe, Urimondjira, and Armando highlight the essence of year-round fitness. Their actions promote well-being among athletes and their communities. Special Olympics has joined forces with the American Council on Exercise to offer a free online course aimed at empowering individuals to inspire local communities towards greater physical activity. You can take the free course to become a Community Physical Activity Leader.