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: 2023 Fall Fitness Captains
Special Olympics athletes: Are you interested in becoming a fitness captain for your team? Talk with your coach and ask them to nominate you for a fitness captain role and training. Check out the flyer for more info! Reminder: You must have your coach nominate you. Questions? Email Victoria at victoria@sonm.org
2023 Fall Fitness Captain Flyer
Fitness Captains
- Dynamic Stretching Guide
- Strength and Endurance Exercise Guide
- Strength and Endurance Exercise Videos
- Fitness Captain Practice Planner
Health Messengers
2021
Development Ambassadors
- Development Ambassador Flyer
- Development Ambassador Overview
- Apply to be a Development Ambassador
General Information
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 benvigil@sonm.org or Victoria Martinez at victoria@sonm.org.
November 2023 Activities:
- November 11: Arts in the Park and Zumba at “A Park Above” from 12-4 PM
- Wonder Warriors at Ultimate Ninja Gym for kids with Autism (age 7+) on November 11 from 1 PM to 2 PM
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, The MAC in Rio Rancho, 8 Gradys in Albuquerque, Fit Body Bootcamp in Rio Rancho, Ultimate Ninja Gym, Three Sisters Kitchen, The Kitchen Kids Inc., Advocacy Partners
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.