Photo submitted to Times Observer Nicole Huya runs a Healthy Athlete table during a basketball skills competition. Huya was instrumental in Warren County’s role to bring a Special Olympics “Healthy Community” resignation to Pennsylvania.

It takes more than just talent to find success in sports.

Training, nutrition and general health all play a huge role.

Warren County Special Olympics — in conjunction with six other counties across the Commonwealth — understands that.

They understand it so well, in fact, that Pennsylvania has received recognition as a Healthy Community, one of just 45 locations in the world that has received such recognition.

The essence of the recognition is a year-round focus on advancing the health of people with intellectual disabilities.

“This is a huge accomplishment for our county and the state, and we are proud to be part of a program that helps athletes’ live longer, healthier lives,” said Christy Calvert Passinger, Warren County Program Manager.

The driving force behind Warren County’s selection was Nicole Huya, the county’s Health and Fitness coordinator, who had previously supported SOPA through her knowledge of health and fitness and her public speaking abilities.

Over the past two years, Huya and her mentor Dawn Turner, worked to inspire fellow athletes to focus on health care by encouraging them to attend Healthy Athlete stations at state level competitions and leading nutrition and fitness activities.

The program also brings various health screenings — vision, hearing, dental, podiatry — to the fingertips of the county’s Special Olympics athletes.

“Healthy Communities has made coaches and athletes more aware of their health,” Turner said.

The end result has been the athletes taking a more active role in their athletic work but also in their health, generally.

There was also an emphasis placed on nutrition.

“Nicole and Dawn accomplished this by providing demonstrations and quizzes on what foods and drinks were healthy,” according to a release from the organization. “Athletes received charts with this information so they could continue the education and implement the techniques at home.

“They also both continue to promote healthy living on Warren County’s private Facebook page – which has been especially impactful throughout the pandemic as it has been a great way to keep athletes engaged.”