As part of the Games, Special Olympics Australia convened a free health symposium on 1st December 2013 at the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) focusing on strategies to improve the health and wellbeing of people with intellectual disability. The audience for the symposium was front line health professionals who work in the intellectual disability sector.Key health professionals spoke and shared information on prevention strategies addressing major health issues facing people with intellectual disability and ways for inclusion in sport. Lunchtime demonstrations and round table discussions were provided giving all guests an opportunity to meet with disability sector organisations. It is our hope that the knowledge gained will be a lasting legacy of the Games and lead to better health outcomes, opprtunities and choice for people with intellectual disabilities. The themes for the symposium were: Session 1 - BE WELL, Prevention strategies to avert diseases in people with intellectual disability. Session 2 - BE ACTIVE, Role of physical activity and sport in health and well being Session 3 - BE INCLUDED, How to include people with intellectual disabilities in society and sport Session 4 - BE AMAZED, all guests were invited to attend the spectacular Opening Ceremony of the inaugural and first international Special Olympics Asia Pacific Games The full symposium video of all guest speakers will be made available from Jan 25th 2014 at www.specialolympics.com.au/healthsymposium Special thanks must go to the Health Symposium Committee for donating their time and skills to make this wonderful event happen. Professor Maree Gleeson, OAM (Chair), Former Director HMRI, Researcher AIS Judy Harwood, Director with Ageing, Disability and Home Care in the NSW Monika Kaatzke-McDonald, Acting Director Clinical Innovation and Governance ADHC Tracey Szantos, Manager Intellectual Disability Network Alex McNeilly, General Manager, Special Olympics Australia Key note speakers include: Professor Les White AO, MC Professor Wendy Brown, University of Queensland Colleen Condon, Dietician, Clinical Director Health Promotions, Special Olympics HAP Dr Kerrie Lante, University of Sydney Professor Nick Lennox, University of Queensland Professor Philip Morgan, University of Newcastle Claire Parry, Manager Surf life Saving NSW Associate Professor Julian Troller, University of NSW Special Olympics Athlete Ambassadors included: Andrew Radford, Gabrielle Clark, Chris Bunton, Caleb Smith

• published: 16 Dec 2013
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