Health Resources Resources for Special Olympics Health programs including Healthy Athletes, Athlete Leadership, and Fitness Challenges.
Athlete Leadership
Each year, Special Olympics New Mexico provides multiple opportunities for SONM athletes to gain new leadership skills and put those skills to work in an athlete-driven role.
Current Opportunities: Coming soon!
Email Victoria at victoria@sonm.org for more info.
Athlete Leadership Docs
- Dynamic Stretching Guide
- Strength and Endurance Exercise Guide
- Strength and Endurance Exercise Videos
- Fitness Captain Practice Planner
- Fitness Captain Warm-up Videos
Health Messengers
Explore Wellness
Overview: The Special Olympics Explore Wellness program introduces athletes and their families to local fitness, health, and wellness partners and resources in our community. We encourage athletes and their families to get and stay healthy by utilizing these resources and activities. Activities will include yoga, outdoor exercising, fitness classes, Zumba dance classes, cooking classes and more! Explore wellness activities are currently offered in the Albuquerque and Rio Rancho areas of New Mexico.
To get your Passport to Wellness and learn more, please contact Ben Vigil at ben@sonm.org
March & April 2023 Activities:
- Yoga in the Park: March 27 Spring Break Yoga in the Park 11:00 AM – 12 PM at “A Park Above” in Rio Rancho. $5 instructor fee. Please wear comfortable clothes you can move in. Bring a yoga mat if possible. Yoga mats will be available to borrow.
- Healthy Cooking and Nutrition Classes:
- Wednesdays, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM at Three Sisters Kitchen.
- Must commit to all 4 weekly classes.
- Limited space is available (16 participants).
- Contact ben@sonm.org to register and reserve your spot.
- All ages and abilities are welcome and will be grouped together accordingly.
- Hosted by Three Sisters Kitchen, Kitchen Kids Inc. and Chef Mike White.
- Classes will cover kitchen safety, healthy eating and nutrition habits, and following recipes.
- Functional Fitness at Big Barn CrossFit
- Information coming soon. Email ben@sonm.org if you are interested!
View our Events Calendar for details
Thank you to each of our Explore Wellness partners! Visit their websites to check out their health and fitness offerings: A Park Above in Rio Rancho, Advocacy Partners, Big Barn CrossFit, The MAC in Rio Rancho, Fit Body Bootcamp in Rio Rancho, 8 Gradys in Albuquerque, Inclusive Sports Foundation, Kid Strong, Three Sisters Kitchen, The Kitchen Kids Inc., Wonder Warriors at Ultimate Ninja Gym, Zumba with Araseli in Las Cruces
Explore Wellness Survey:
To better understand the needs of our community, please complete a short survey about your personal experience with health and wellness: Explore Wellness Survey
Fitness Challenges
Fitness Challenges Overview
Special Olympics New Mexico creates Fitness Challenges throughout the year to promote health, wellness, and general fitness of all Special Olympics athletes. Keep reading to learn more and participate in current fitness challenges.
Group Waiver
- The Group Waiver is for groups participating in fitness programming, with individuals (participants) who do not have active medical forms on file with Special Olympics New Mexico.
- Group Waiver Fillable
2023 Fit 5 & Strong Minds Challenge:
Join our Fit 5 & Strong Minds Challenge! This 6-week challenge is completed using the Special Olympics SOFit app. The challenge is active now through December 24.
Download the SO FitNow app on your smart phone or visit the SO Fit Now Website to access the trackers for the challenge.
If you do not have a smartphone or access to the website, email victoria@sonm.org for printed trackers.
Fit 5 and Strong Minds Getting Started Guide
Fit 5 and Strong Minds Challenge Printed Guide
Fit 5 and Strong Minds Weekly Introductions
Join the SONM Health and Wellness Facebook Group: Stay motivated by connecting with other Special Olympics athletes! Join the Facebook Group
Group Waiver Fillable
- The Group Waiver is for groups participating in fitness programming, with individuals (participants) who do not have active medical forms on file with Special Olympics New Mexico.
- Group Waiver Fillable
Health – Family Resources
- Become a Special Olympics athlete
- Special Olympics Fitness Resources
- More resources coming soon
Health – Fit 5
Health – Focus on Fitness Challenge
Abe’s Focus On Fitness Challenge
SONM athlete & Health Messenger Abe Assaad has created a fitness challenge for all Special Olympics athletes to focus on and improve their fitness. The official April-June 2021 challenge has ended but we will keep the resources below so you can continue to use the resources and create workouts!
How to participate:
1. Download and complete the Fitness Assessment PDF and then download and use the Focus on Fitness Pick 8 Workout Builder PDF to create customized workouts throughout the week. Use the Focus on Fitness Tracker to track how many workouts you complete throughout the challenge. The Focus on Fitness Videos will demonstrate exercises as well as discuss proper form.
2. Connect with other Special Olympics athletes during the challenge by joining the SONMFit Facebook Group.