Performance Stations are events held at, or near, the field of play at tournaments/competitions or games designed to educate and activate athletes and their supporters in the tenets of fitness: nutrition, hydration, and physical activity. These stations directly connect fitness to sports performance, and show how incorporating these tenets can enhance training, performance at the competition, and health.

Physical Activity: Physical activity is a vital component to a healthy lifestyle. While sports are a great avenue for physical activity, specific exercises performed before, during, and after practices and competition, as well as outside of practice can help prevent injuries as well as enhance performance. This station is a platform to teach proper warm-up and/or cool-down activities, conditioning exercises, or even cross training activities to encourage athletes to prepare appropriately for their sport and to be physically active year-round.

Hydration: Proper hydration before, during, and after a sports competition requires appropriate attention to beverage type and quantity.  Dehydration can become a major health concern causing lethargy, dizziness and even fainting, however, even mild dehydration can impair participants’ focus and decrease athletic performance. Furthermore, participants need education on the proper beverage selection for their sport. Many athletes prefer sugar sweetened beverages even though water is usually the best choice. This station educates participants on the importance of proper hydration while teaching them about a tasty alternative to sugar sweetened beverages.

Nutrition: Diet provides the fuel for athletes and Unified Partners to participate in sports and live a healthy lifestyle. Making healthy food choices prior to and after sports training and competition enhances performance and optimizes recovery. This station teaches athletes about the importance of selecting healthy options while providing an opportunity for a healthy pre- or post-competition snack. 

Competition Readiness: Having a great competition starts with having the right equipment, attire, and supplies for the day. This station combines the necessary equipment for the sport as well as health-related elements that should be considered prior to competition. A volunteer will lead participants through a checklist to ensure they have everything they need for the day. The station includes commonly forgotten or overlooked items so participants leave the station with everything they need. Additionally, the station teaches participants to think through what is needed for future practices and competitions.

Game Day Minds: Volunteers assist participants to prepare their mind for competition by visualizing a performance reminder. Visualization is not only about picturing in your mind what you want but is conceptually experiencing it: See it! Feel it! Hear it! Do it! As such, this station is best located in a quiet space. Competition readiness and performance can increase with increased concentration, motivation and confidence. This station is optional, but Programs who have piloted it have shared positive feedback from their volunteers, athletes and coaches about it.

CHECK-IN: Please allow yourself ample time to park and check-in at volunteer check in.

WHAT TO WEAR: Each volunteer will receive a volunteer t-shirt to wear at the event, so you will be easily identifiable. Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes. 

MEALS: Snacks may be available at the event

PARKING: Parking is available 

Questions? Please contact Jena Twete, Director of Inclusive Health, at jtwete@specialolympicsco.org.

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