Gov. Doug Ducey announces $1 million investment to Special Olympics Arizona

PHOENIX– Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey announced a $1 million investment on Tuesday to the Special Olympics Arizona Healthy Athletes Programs.

The goal is to improve the lives of Arizonans with intellectual disabilities through critical services such as general and mental health, physical therapy, dental health and vision. The funds will be coming from the American Rescue Plan Act.

“Sports help participants learn critical team-building skills, improve their physical health and experience the joys of competition,” said Ducey on Twitter on Tuesday. “Our partnership with Special Olympics Arizona will give more Arizonans the opportunity to not only compete in sports but access critical health services.”

We joined @SOArizona at their grand opening for their new facility in Goodyear to share the news. 2/ pic.twitter.com/POyiB2ctk0

— Doug Ducey (@DougDucey) March 22, 2022

The funds will guarantee health screenings for 1,000 athletes, health education to another 1,500 athletes as well as expand access to mental health providers, screenings and education, according to the press release.

“Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities have a higher prevalence of adverse health conditions and are more likely to have unidentified and untreated health issues,” said president and CEO of Special Olympics Arizona, Jamie Heckerman.

“We can’t thank Governor Ducey and the state of Arizona enough for this generous gift that will provide more inclusive health programs and assist so many more individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to get proper health care and treatment to help lead a better quality of life.”

The additional funding will be another tool for Special Olympics Arizona to serve more than 21,400 athletes with intellectual disabilities.