Multiple Phoebe departments came together on Friday, October 18, to ensure local Special Olympics athletes would be ready for their fall competition. Phoebe Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, Network of Trust and Phoebe Imaging all pitched in to provide free physicals to nearly 50 students from Lee County who plan to participate in Special Olympics athletic competition.
 
“Special Olympics is a wonderful organization, and we were more than happy to provide this service. It can be challenging for any parent to find the resources and time to get to a doctor’s office, so we hope this helped alleviate the burden on families who want their children to participate in athletic competition,” said Jordan Knoefler, MD, Phoebe sports medicine physician.
 
The physicals included blood pressure readings, height and weight measurements and x-rays. Dr. Knoefler and Dr. Dan Smith along with Phoebe sports medicine staff performed the physicals, assessing the athletes’ mobility and strength.
 
Fourteen-year-old Brooke Brokamp attended the event with her mom, Starla, who said receiving the free physicals meant a lot to families. “It is a time saver and a financial help for families. I’m very thankful Phoebe provided this service to not only Brooke but to all the kids,” added Brokamp.
 
Participation in Special Olympic athletic competition requires that each athlete have a physical, which stays current for three years.