CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Special Olympics has touched millions of lives for decades.
However, for some, it’s not affordable.
All athletes are required to take a physical exam before participating in Special Olympics, but that costs money.
[ [LINK: About Special Olympics Medfest events] ]
Medfest has partnered with Atrium Health, Special Olympics of North Carolina and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools to offer athletes free exams.
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It’s sometimes the first exposure the athletes have to medical care.
“A lot of patient population has intellectual disabilities and don’t end up going to see a doctor, don’t get proper screening physicals and just kind of get not as good of care as the general population,” said Jordan Sestak, a resident of Atrium Health Carolinas Rehabilitation.
Medfest also provides a chance to show athletes the range of sports available.
There will be another Medfest in Gaston County in the spring.
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Cox Media Group