Return of the Special Olympics Summer Games at Penn State 

Submitted by Larry J Assalita, DPM, State College, PA

We are likely familiar with the proverb "Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder." In various ways, during the past few Covid-19 Pandemic years, we have had forced absences from family, friends, and many activities. This loss also applies to Fit Feet volunteers who have not seen each other and Special Olympians since the 2019 Summer Games.

It has been three years since The Pennsylvania Special Olympics Summer Games, held at Penn State's University Park Campus, were able to resume in person. Since we, as The Healthy Athletes Fit Feet Team, under the direction of Dr. John Ziegler (Meadville), were able to work together to provide screenings to those participants who wanted our services.   

For those of us returning to volunteer, our hearts indeed were happy and warmed by once again experiencing this event, held on June 3rd and 4th. We were busy visiting with colleagues, interacting with Special Olympians and their families, and of course, providing this small measure of critical Podiatric Care and Recommendations to this community.

In "Happy Valley," there is an expression, "If God was not a Penn State fan, why did he make the sky blue and white?" The 2022 PA Special Olympic Games were held over a weekend with beautiful weather, including a perfect blue sky accented with white clouds. We are grateful for two lovely days at this outdoor event where our volunteers provide Fit Feet screenings in our medical tent.

Uniquely in Pennsylvania, we provide a variety of heat-molded or semi-rigid adjustable, fitted arch supports to those athletes whose foot conditions warrant the need, which is the majority of those we see. We also provide socks and, when appropriate, tinea pedis medications, hygiene shoe sprays to eliminate odor in their shoes, and limited nail/blister care as needed. Each athlete receives a combined Healthy Athletes passport from all the disciplines they visit. 

A summary of foot and ankle conditions that athletes should receive follow-up care for is included in this passport. The follow-up care may consist of appointments related to the biomechanical and general medical foot exams, urgent or non-urgent referrals if appropriate, and any care recommendations, as well as measured foot size/shoe recommendations. Studies have found a large percentage of ill-fitted and inappropriate footwear. 

We also had the opportunity to enjoy time in the Olympic Village, where free food, entertainment, a petting zoo, and games are available to all athletes, their coaches and families, and all volunteers.

The Special Olympics is the largest statewide competition, bringing over 2,000 athletes and 750 coaches. Competition in athletics, basketball, equestrian, golf, gymnastics, softball, swimming, and tennis highlight the three-day event. Weeks of hard work and dedication in training are rewarded as athletes are cheered on and supported during competition by more than 1,000 enthusiastic volunteers.

The following individuals and organizations generously supported the event:

• Kris and Kelsey German, Hanger Clinic, and Aetrex Worldwide for supplying more than 100 formable inserts
• Gil Rice, Walkrite and Verne Blintz Co. for supplying 100 pairs of BrikoBasic inserts
• John Dutka, Tetra Corporation for the support of Fungi Foam, Clean Sweep Products & uvBeast V3 365nm Minis
• Bryan Hershberger, Organogenesis sponsoring and coordinating the CE presentation and Friday evening dinner at Toftrees Resort.
  

The Special Olympics has ongoing activities in your community or county year-round in Pennsylvania for any level of volunteering and support. Visit their website at https://specialolympicspa.org/.

Contact John Ziegler, DPM to learn more about the event at jzieglerdpm@windstream.net.

Front row seated facing left to right:

'Gill' Rice, BC Ped, BCOF    

Kelsey German          

Michelle Sparkes, DPM

Robyn Gansner, MD       

 Lex Barte, DPM 

Back row left to right

Larry Assalita, DPM 

 Dan Olson, DPM     

 Kris German, BOCO/L, CPed/L  

Josh Burchell, DPM (1^st year resident)       

John Susz, DPM 

Rick Tomassi DPM 

John Ziegler, DPM * PA Fit Feet Clinical Director          

Tom Pokabla II, DPM