This Spring, the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) celebrated Physical Fitness & Sports month with Special Olympics Pennsylvania (SOPA). May was Physical Fitness & Sports month, and to celebrate, ODP visited SOPA’s Central Spring Sectional competition at Saint Francis University. Athletes competed in six sports including aquatics, athletics (track and field), basketball, golf, and tennis. The event kicked off at the DeGol Arena at 9 a.m. on Sunday, April 27. Over 500 athletes and 500 coaches, volunteers, families and friends represented Central Pennsylvania at the Special Olympics Spring Sectional.

Watch some of the action in the video below featuring interviews with competitors Marshall Geesey and Shawn Holloman:

What is Move Your Way?

Move Your Way is the physical activity campaign based on The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. It offers tools and resources for individuals and professionals to learn about the Physical Activity Guidelines, share its key messages and encourage individuals to become more active. Recognizing the health disparities and co-existing medical conditions experienced by many individuals with intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities and autism, ODP is promoting Move Your Way in cooperation with the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  Becoming more physically active can help lead to happier, healthier lives. Please share widely!

How can you Move Your Way?

Anything that gets your heart beating faster counts. And it all adds up.

Find what works for you! Walking, dancing, gardening, swimming, and stretching are just a few suggestions for weekly movement.

Adults need a mix of physical activity to stay healthy.  Moderate-intensity aerobic activity at least 150 minutes a week, and muscle-strengthening activity at least 2 days a week. Do activities that make your muscles work harder than usual.