Young Athletes Program
Young Athletes is a sport and play program for children with and without intellectual disabilities (ID), ages 2 to 7 years old. Young Athletes introduces basic sport skills, like running, kicking and throwing.
Children ages 2 to 7 enjoy games and activities that develop motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Young Athletes is an early introduction to sports and to the world of Special Olympics. The children learn new things, play and have lots of fun!
Parents say their children in Young Athletes also develop better social skills. The confidence boost makes it easier for them to play and talk with other children on the playground and elsewhere.
Young Athletes in a Unified Champion School
Young Athletes can serve as a key component to an elementary or pre-K Unified Champion School by providing an inclusive sports experience for children. Young Athletes introduces children to sports by teaching them age-appropriate gross motor development skills that support their future participation in Unified Sports. When conducted in schools or early childhood development centers, and combined with Inclusive Youth Leadership and Whole School Engagement, there is a greater potential to impact attitude change and create an environment of inclusion and respect.
Young Athlete Program Registration
To register to become a new Special Olympics Young Athlete, click here or download and complete the 2022 SOMaine Youth Athletes Registration Packet.
Young Athlete Program Resources
- 2022 SOMaine Youth Athletes Registration Packet
- Young Athletes Activity Guide
- More Youth Athlete Resources
Want to start your own Young Athletes™ Program? Want to get involved in one in your area? We are looking for teachers interested in starting a Young Athletes Program in their classroom and potential coaches willing to start a Young Athletes program in their community.
Contact
Lisa Bird
lisab@somaine.org
(207) 879-0489 ext 16