News & Media

Kimberly is a 38-year-old female who has been with Special Olympics Connecticut for 26 years. Before Special Olympics, she did not do much physical activity or have meaningful interactions with others. After joining, she saw an increase in her physical activity and involvement in the community of athletes. She participates in various sports, but her favorite is bowling, and she excels at the sport, with a high score of 157! She volunteers for many sports and loves to be involved with anything with Special Olympics. Her involvement with the Fit 5 program has not only helped her become a great athlete, but also helped her understand the importance of maintaining a lifestyle that involves nourishing foods and daily movement for optimal health and well-being. 

The Fit 5 program is all about simple habits that can make a big difference in how you feel every day. It focuses on three main goals, which are eating 5 servings of fruits and veggies a day, drinking 5 water bottles a day, and exercising 5 days a week. When it comes to exercise, it's important to mix things up, or at least try. Endurance, strength, flexibility, and balance are all key for a well-rounded routine. You don’t need to hit every type of exercise every week, but if you can stick to your favorite one each day, you’ll be in great shape. It also emphasizes that exercise doesn’t have to mean hitting the gym; going for a walk or a bike ride counts too! Healthy eating is just as crucial because it gives your body the fuel it needs to work well. It helps you feel energized and supports all the other activities you do, from workouts to daily tasks. Staying hydrated by drinking enough water is a game-changer too. It keeps you feeling your best whether you’re exercising or just going about your day. In the end, sticking to the Fit 5 habits helps you stay healthy and feel great. 

Kimberly does not practice Fit 5 program principles alone: she emphasized how Special Olympics is more than just a program - it is a family. One of her coaches is a long-time high school friend named Stephanie. Being able to participate in both sports and the Fit 5 program with another familiar face was even more fun for Kimberly. Kimberly stated that one of her coaches would tell her to “keep it up, keep moving,” again emphasizing the importance of movement and being active. Her coach does not only tell her to keep moving but encourages Kimberly to do her best. Kimberly stated that if someone were to ask her why they should join Special Olympics, she stated that she would emphasize how it allows individuals to stay active, have fun, and you get to interact with many members and try different sports. Overall, Kimberly's message to others thinking about joining Special Olympics is getting involved through volunteering. Kimberly’s emphasis on the FIT 5 program and having others join this program to get involved in the community and stay healthy, allows for others to become part of the Special Olympics family.  It’s all about finding a balance that works for you and making small changes that add up to a big improvement in your life.