Special Olympics Ireland has published the results of a pilot health promotion programme for people with intellectual disability.  The aim of the scheme was to raise awareness of physical fitness and nutrition and it has produced some very positive results.
Research has shown that 68% of people with an intellectual disability have a body mass index in the overweight or obese category. The user-friendly health promotion resource pack was promoted through Special Olympics clubs around the country and 286 participants were used to establish a baseline at the start of the campaign four years ago, as well as a result arising from the increased awareness.
Among the findings were a 48% increase in the numbers of participants meeting the recommended daily intake of five portions of fruit and vegetables and an increase in the percentage of participants meeting the recommended level of 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity five days a week from 22% to 49%.
“The success of the programme shows that health and sport go hand in hand,” said Minister of State Kathleen Lynch TD. “Positive lifestyle changes are important for everybody and awareness is the key to improvement.”
“The HSE welcomes this initiative which aims at reducing health inequalities for Special Olympics athletes in Ireland,” added Dr Nazih Eldin, Head of Health Promotion in Dublin North East for the Health Service Executive. “It is great to see that an effective, evidence based and targeted programme was developed in collaboration and cooperation with so many different experts, parents and people with intellectual disability.”
The report does not put forward any rolling out of the programme but it is clear from the evidence that it should be part of an overall campaign to address the disparities that exist between the general population and those who suffer from an intellectual disability.
The pilot project was funded by the HSE and by the Daughters of Charity.  Given the financial pressures on the former it is likely that some form of commercial support would be needed to extend the programme.  There are major players in the nutrition and fitness sector who may well see a contribution towards such a programme as a valid commercial investment that will yield a return in positive attitude from customers and staff.
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