UH Hosts Families Resource and Health Fair

Athletes and families of Special Olympics Texas will take part in the Inaugural Special Olympics Texas Families Resource and Health Fair Saturday, Sept. 11. Hosted by the University of Houston (UH) College of Optometry at the University Eye Institute, individuals age 8 and up with intellectual disabilities are eligible to receive free sports physicals and screenings offered by vision, dental and auditory specialists.

Athletes and family members also will be encouraged to attend the many educational sessions taking place during the fair. Topics will include basic health care, financial planning, guardianships and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The University of Texas Dental Branch, Healthy Hearing, Christus Saint Catherine and Christus Saint John are among the other community partners volunteering services for the event. 

"We expect upwards of 350 potential or current athletes will participate in this year's inaugural health fair," said Dr. Ralph Herring of the UH College of Optometry. "This is a new and unique opportunity for UH and the College of Optometry to give back to the community, these gifted athletes and their supporters."

To take full advantage of the screenings, event organizers request that each participating athlete contact the Special Olympics Texas - Greater Houston area office at 713-290-0049 to receive the registration information.  For additional information about Special Olympics Texas, visit www.sotx.org.

 Special Olympics Texas offers year-round sports training and competition. Houston currently has 17 active sports with a place for every level of athlete. With free local registration fees to all athletes, as well as Family Education Days, there are many opportunities for each person involved with Special Olympics Texas.