Free Checkups for Special Olympians

LOS ANGELES – They arrived in Los Angeles by the thousands to run, jump and swim and to play such team sports as soccer and softball.

This week, however, Special Olympics athletes from around the world also are taking part in what could be called the Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat events.Tucked into a corner of the University of Southern California’s sprawling campus is a makeshift medical clinic that seemingly sprouted overnight. There, hundreds of doctors, dentists and other health care providers are working to ensure thousands of athletes go home with clean bills of health — or the closest thing to them that can be produced in a week. A few athletes will even leave with the ability to hear for the first time.