PPMA members have supported the mission of Healthy Feet and Ankles at the Annual Pennsylvania Special Olympics Summer Games for many years.
Unsurprisingly, the PA Fit Feet Team was back in action this June, supporting the Pennsylvania Special Olympics in University Park, PA.
Game participants are eligible for Wellness Screenings, which allow athletes to receive medical treatment on-site at the event. Screenings are available for those that include Foot and Ankle Care.
Our presence at a significant event increases brand awareness for the podiatric profession, as thousands of visitors, including participants, spectators, volunteers, and coaches, get a peak of our impact in the healthcare field.
Our work at the games is hard to go unnoticed. We broke previous years' records in screening 382 athletes and dispensed 319 pairs of custom-fitted innersoles, increasing the athletes' opportunity to have a positive game experience. With last year's games being canceled, it is safe to say our team came back in full force with its efforts.
These efforts could not have been achieved without the efforts of our members and their families, who donated their time to be on-site for days. The Fit Feet Team comprises nine podiatrists, two pedorthists , and two family members.
Several manufacturers and our association have supported the efforts of the PA Fit Feet Team. PPMA donated the shirts so our members could easily be identified and receive care as needed. Several manufacturers, including Apex, Bintz Co, Hanger Clinic, and PA Artificial Limb and Brace, donated heat-molded innersoles that directly impacted athletes.
Most of our members are likely familiar with the Olympic Games, which will take place in Paris in a few short weeks. It is understood that members may have seen these games televised but likely have not experienced a Special Olympics Event, which is very special and is modeled after the traditional games.
Athletes and their caregivers travel to State College and compete in extracurricular events. The events held during the Summer Games in Pennsylvania include Basketball, Equestrian, Golf, Gymnastics, Softball, Swimming, and Tennis. 
The events are extraordinary, as spectators and athletes enjoy watching the opening ceremonies. Many opportunities exist for everyone involved to create memorable moments. Athletes from every county in the state of Pennsylvania are represented.
Dr. Ziegler and I reminisced about a time just ten years ago when there were only two of us doing all the screenings. We are proud to watch our team grow in size.
Members have asked how they can get involved in volunteering their time for the 2025 Summer Olympic Games at State College. It is a commitment that includes both travel to State College and being on-site for several days at a time. Dr. John Zeigler is the PA Special Olympics Fit Feet Clinical Director and can be contacted at jzieglerdpm@windstream.net for further information.
The benefits of giving back your time to a cause like this and the experience you receive are too big to put into words. The relationships we have developed are strong, and we all look forward to enjoying a special dinner together to catch up on each other's lives.
Other opportunities to support The Special Olympics at events held in both Winter and Summer can be found online at https://specialolympicspa.org/become-a-volunteer.
In closing, the work our members do at the Pennsylvania Special Olympics is beyond special to all who receive care and volunteer their time to care for participants.

Group Photo Featuring: John Susz, DPM; Chris Hess, DPM; Dan Olson, DPM; Rick Tomassi, DPM; Kelsey German, BA and Rosina Generose, DPM; Chris German BOCO/CPed; Vraj Gokhale, DPM; Larry Assalita, DPM; Sydney Assalita; John Zeigler DPM PA Clinical Director; Tom Pokabla, DPM; Bilal Louzati, DPM; Michelle Sparks, DPM; Gill Rice, CO/CPed