Back in October, BrightStone partnered with Special Olympics Tennessee to provide health screenings for athletes in the community. The event, dubbed "Stronger Together," provided these athletes with a variety of medical exams, interactive health education and outdoor games to promote wellness and inclusion.
BrightStone is a residential community that provides resources and support for adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). Their mission to foster a sense of belonging and purpose among these individuals makes them a natural partner to Special Olympics Tennessee and a host site for this event.
The event included different stations, including hearing, oral, and pediatric exams, as well as a station for healthy eating promotion and physicals. Stronger Together also provided the community with outdoor sports and activities like soccer, pickleball, giant jenga and more!
Making New Friends in a New Town
For parents like Rebecca Bishop, this organization plays such a significant role in their families' lives. Special Olympics has been a part of her family for 16 years. After recently moving from Washington state, this was her first time attending a BrightStone health screening event.
Bishop praised the kindness and patience of the health professionals throughout the screenings.
“The volunteers were very thorough and asked a lot of questions,” Bishop said. “They always choose the best people to work with these athletes. Everyone is so kind, patient, and makes the kids feel so loved”.
Her son Andrew, a 24-year-old athlete who has competed in sports like basketball, bocce, cornhole and swimming, was excited to continue his Special Olympics journey in a new state. At the BrightStone event, he said his favorite part of being involved is “making new friends and teamwork”. Earlier that day, he was outside playing cornhole with a new friend he had just met, already living out what he loves most about the organization. He highlighted some of his other experiences, including competing at the 2022 USA Games in Orlando, Florida. He said he’s excited to keep competing and to build new connections within the Tennessee community.
Athlete Leaders in Action
Bradley Brown is an athlete leader with Special Olympics Tennessee. He spent the day impressively volunteering while also participating in his own health screenings. He has been involved with the organization since high school, competing and coaching in sports like basketball, bocce, track, bowling and golf. As an athlete leader, he helps at events and assists the state office with programs.
“They trust me to help wherever I’m needed, and I just do my best,” Brown explained.
He shared that his favorite part of the BrighStone event was also meeting new people and helping other athletes through their screenings. Bradley shared that one of his favorite volunteer memories was also from the 2022 USA Games in Orlando, Florida. Although he didn’t compete that year, he worked closely with the golf event, which is his favorite sport, and enjoyed supporting other athletes throughout the games.
Overall, the Healthy Athletes screenings were a huge success, bringing together athletes, families, volunteers, and medical professionals for a day of community and wellness. Thank you, BrightStone residential community, for hosting and partnering with Special Olympics Tennessee. You can catch both Andrew Bishop and Bradley Brown competing at future events, where their hard work and dedication will be on full display.
Learn more about BrightStone here.
