Each year, Pennsylvania podiatrists have the opportunity to make a lasting impact by participating in the Special Olympics Pennsylvania Summer Games, held at Penn State University in State College.

The event, held June 4–6, welcomed approximately 2,000 athletes and an equal number of coaches and volunteers who came together to celebrate achievement, inclusion, and the joy of competition.

For nearly 60 years, the Pennsylvania Special Olympics Summer Games have provided athletes with opportunities to compete in basketball, track and field, gymnastics, swimming, tennis, and many other events while building confidence, friendships, and life skills.

While the athletic competitions are the centerpiece of the Summer Games, many may not realize the important healthcare services available through the Healthy Athletes Program. This nationwide initiative provides free health screenings in areas including vision, hearing, dental health, wellness promotion, physical fitness, and, of course, foot and ankle health.

One of the program's most impactful components is Fit Feet, in which podiatric volunteers provide foot and ankle screenings, education, and recommendations designed to help athletes perform safely and comfortably. For some athletes, Fit Feet is their first introduction to podiatric care.

Thanks to the support of APEX Foot Health, EMB Medical, and PPMA our volunteer team was able to make a significant impact this year in the Fit Feet section of the PA games to which we accomplished the following:

• Screening 283 athletes over two days.
• Provided 209 custom-fitted heat-moldable inserts at no cost to athletes who could benefit from additional support and improved function.
• Hosting an educational and support event led by Steve Degyansky of EMB Medical
  

PPMA has long supported the Fit Feet initiative and its volunteers, helping to highlight the important role podiatrists play in improving health, mobility, and quality of life.

Volunteers traveled from across Pennsylvania to participate, including a dedicated team of four podiatrists from Bay City Podiatry and two second-year residents from LECOM, who have made annual participation a tradition.

Beyond the numbers, however, lies the true value of this experience, hard to put into words.

Every volunteer leaves with memorable stories. We meet athletes who overcome challenges many of us cannot imagine, yet approach life with enthusiasm, determination, and gratitude. Their resilience serves as a powerful reminder of what truly matters.

Many volunteers experience a moment of perspective during the Games. We all face daily stresses and challenges, but spending time with these athletes often reminds us how fortunate we are.

One athlete I met suffered a stroke at age one and lives with both physical and cognitive challenges. Now in his twenties, he utilizes a service dog and receives IV therapy, yet he competes in gymnastics with incredible joy and enthusiasm. Encounters like these leave a lasting impression long after the Games have ended.

The Summer Games have also become something of a family reunion for many volunteers.

Colleagues reconnect, new friendships are formed, and first-time participants quickly discover why so many return year after year. Between screenings, volunteers and athletes alike enjoyed the festive atmosphere, complete with music, dancing, horses, motorcycles, snow cones, and other activities that make the event extra special.

As podiatrists, we understand the importance of healthy feet in supporting movement, independence, and athletic performance. 

For more than 25 years, I have had the privilege of volunteering with Special Olympics athletes alongside Drs. Tomasi and Ziegler, I was honored to receive PPMA's McQuaid Award in recognition of this service. Yet the greatest reward has never been the recognition—it has been the relationships and experiences shared with the athletes.

The experience serves as a reminder that some of the most rewarding moments in healthcare come not from what we give, but from what we receive in return. We encourage PPMA members to consider volunteering in the future. Many first-time participants quickly become annual volunteers after experiencing the spirit, camaraderie, and inspiration that define the Special Olympics.

Through Fit Feet, we have the opportunity to use our skills to help athletes perform at their best while giving back to our communities in a meaningful way. The experience I describe can best be summed up in a famous quote from Maya Angelou that most of us recognize, "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

Members interested in volunteering may contact Dr. Ziegler at ziegler4@zoominternet.net or jzieglerdpm@windstream.com.

Photo Caption (not in order): Michelle Sparks, DPM (Member) ; Robyn Gansner, MD; Sydney Assalita, BS; Raquisha Baile-King, DPM (Resident); Chesca Basilio CP/L, MSPO; Kelsey German, BS; Larry Assalita, DPM (Member); Shylla Taqi, DPM (Resident); Amanda Leonhart LPN; Rick Tomassi, DPM (Member); Dan Olson, DPM (Member); Stephen Bui, DPM (Member); John Susz, DPM ; John Ziegler, DPM (Member); Chris Hess, DPM (Member); Tom Pokabla DPM (Member); Kris German, BOCO/L, CPed/L; Olumide Oladeinde, DPM (Resident)