# SPSS helps Special Olympics International increase athlete healthcare funding

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2008/08/28/spss-helps-special-olympics-international-increase-athlete-healthcare-funding/
- Published: 2008-08-28T10:01:25+01:00
- Author: Howard Lake

Special Olympics International is using Predictive Analytics software from SPSS 
to analyse data collected on athlete health worldwide to build a case for improved
government policies, increased funding and new partnerships.

The organisation works to empower individuals with intellectual disabilities to 
become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through sports
training and competition.

It uses SPSS Predictive Analytics software to collect and analyse screening data
at its Healthy Athletes events and then to create value from the information for
policy and fundraising efforts.

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For example, when analysing data from its past three World Games, Special Olympics
found that 44 per cent of athletes had obvious untreated tooth decay. At the same
World Games, Special Olympics assessed visual acuity in the athlete population and
found that 26 per cent of athletes needed new glasses. The organisation used this
data to persuade corporate and foundation partners to provide more than 50,000 pair
of prescription glasses to athletes.

Darcie Mersereau, senior manager of research and evaluation at [Special Olympics International](http://www.specialolympics.org),
said: “SPSS Predictive Analytics software supports our mission to act as advocates
for our athletes by allowing Special Olympics to make a solid case for improved 
quality and access to healthcare for populations worldwide”.

In 2008 the organisation’s Healthy Athletes programme will receive more than $5.4
million from Congress via the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to
fund Healthy Athletes events. This funding was first granted in 2001 following data
on athletes analysed and presented to the US Senate.

www.spss.com/uk

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