Young Athletes Program Young Athletes is a unique sport and play program for children ages 2 to 7 with intellectual disabilities and their typically developing peers. The program focuses on fun activities that are important to mental and physical growth.
Young Athletes welcomes children and their families into the world of Special Olympics by showing how all children can be valued for their talents and abilities. Young Athletes is a unique sport and play program for children ages 2 to 7 with intellectual disabilities and their typically developing peers. Our focus is on fun activities that are important to mental and physical growth. Children who participate will enjoy games and activities that develop motor skills like balance, flexibility, strength and coordination.
Young Athletes is easy to get started, fun for all, and a great way to boost confidence and expectations. It can be offered at home, in schools, or the community using Special Olympics resources and simple sports equipment. Like all our programs, Young Athletes raises awareness and promotes inclusion and acceptance.
For more information and registration resources please visit the UCS Dashboard HERE
IMPACT
About the program: Special Olympics Young Athletes is a sport and play program for children with and without intellectual disabilities (ID), ages 2 to 7 years old.
- 96% of athletes experienced improved self-confidence
- Young Athletes participants experienced a 7-month gain in motor skills after 8-weeks of participation
- There are over 8,000 Young Athletes world-wide