Strong Minds (Mental Health)
Strong Minds is an interactive learning activity focused on developing adaptive coping skills. Competition provides a natural opportunity to develop active strategies for maintaining emotional wellness under stress, such as thinking positive thoughts, releasing stress, and connecting with others. Strong Minds is currently being further developed to include formal mental health screening measures (i.e., CORE-LD30 and WEMWBS-ID) to identify athletes at-risk for mental health concerns. Screening results will inform a more robust referral system to connect these athletes with community-based healthcare professionals.
For further information or general inquiries related to this discipline, please contact us at strongminds@specialolympics.org. SO Program staff and established Clinical Directors are encouraged to submit their questions through our online form available here.
For further information or general inquiries related to this discipline, please contact us at strongminds@specialolympics.org. SO Program staff and established Clinical Directors are encouraged to submit their questions through our online form available here.
Strong Minds Training Video
CLINICAL DIRECTORS
-
Clinical Director Role (webpage)
Special Olympics Clinical Directors are volunteer professionals who are responsible for working with their local Special Olympics Program and other volunteer health professionals in coordinating the local Healthy Athletes Program. - Clinical Director Application Questionnaire (DOCX)
-
Clinical Director Manual (PDF)
A comprehensive guide for clinical directors hosting a Strong Minds event; covers the standardized screening guidelines, planning, and running an event.
VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT
-
How to Volunteer with Healthy Athletes
Join the more than 90,000 health care providers and students worldwide who have volunteered with the Healthy Athletes program. - Volunteer Training (PPTX)
- Volunteer Certificate (DOCX)
EVENT RESOURCES AND EQUIPMENT
HAS
Legal Forms
Equipment and Supply List
Event Planning Materials
Athlete and Caregiver Resources
-
HAS Form (webpage)
The Strong Minds Healthy Athletes Software (HAS) form used to collect and report data at a Strong Minds event.
- Sample Venue Layout (PDF)
-
Exercise Handout (PDF)
An exercise list for athletes to complete during Strong Stretching. -
Yoga Guide (PDF)
A list of yoga poses for athletes to complete during the Strong Stretching station. -
Strategies for Stress (PDF)
These strategies can help athletes improve their emotional wellness. -
Picture Board (PDF)
A visual representation of stress management techniques. -
Station Signs (PDF)
Printable signs for each station of Strong Minds. - Inclusion Revolution Pledge (webpage)
- Strong Minds Activity Guide (English) (PDF)
- Strong Minds Activity Guide (Spanish) (PDF)
-
Sensory Spaces (PDF)
Guidance for creating sensory rooms or low-stimulations environments at Special Olympics events.
Resources for coaches to utilize the Strong Minds strategies during practice and games
-
Coach’s Playbook (PDF)
Resources for coaches to utilize the Strong Minds strategies during practice and games - MPF im Healthy Coach Cards (English) (PDF)
- MPF im Healthy Coach Cards (Spanish) (PDF)
Strong Minds Family Forum Mental Health and Wellbeing
- Tips for keeping a Strong Mind (JPG)
- Healthy Sleep Tips (JPG)
- Self-Care for Families (PDF)
-
Strong Minds Family Tip Sheet and Calendar
This resource provides family members and caregivers ideas about ways to destress, have fun, and integrate healthy living choices into day-to-day lives. Using the Strong Minds stickers and calendar, you can design your healthy living schedule to best meet the personal needs and interests of your family. Sticker Sheet -
MyHealth: Strong Minds
Strong Minds is an interactive learning activity focused on developing adaptive coping skills. Competition provides a natural opportunity to develop active strategies for maintaining emotional wellness under stress, such as: thinking positive thoughts, releasing stress and connecting with others.
HEALTH PROFESSIONAL RESOURCES
-
Health Professional Training
Special Olympics has developed training for healthcare providers on working with people with intellectual disabilities. These free e-learning courses are available online. This interactive learning experience arms healthcare providers with the knowledge and understanding of how to be more inclusive as it relates to health programming and services.
-
How to Speak with People with Disabilities (video)
Whether you are in a health care or other professional environment or just having a personal conversation, consider these basic rules for communicating with a person with an intellectual disability. Download - Working with Special Olympics Athletes (PDF)
ADDITIONAL RELATED RESOURCES
-
Strong Minds Overview (video)
Special Olympics has developed training for healthcare providers on working with people with intellectual disabilities. These free e-learning courses are available online. This interactive learning experience arms healthcare providers with the knowledge and understanding of how to be more inclusive as it relates to health programming and services. -
Strong Minds Mindfulness Recordings
A series of 14, 5 minute Special Olympics Strong Minds meditations. Appreciation • Belonging • Connections • Empowerment • Identity • Leadership • Mindfulness for Families • Post-competition • Pre-competition • Reflections • Spread the Word • Teamwork • Wellness • Young Athletes