Special Olympics Young Athletes - A Sport & Play Program for Children

Young Athletes

Special Olympics 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.

Young Athletes provides children with activities and games that meet their individual skill and ability levels, while allowing them to play together in a fun and inclusive environment. Children of all abilities take part, and they all benefit.

Children learn how to play with others and develop important skills for learning. Children also learn to share, take turns and follow directions.
Young Athletes is a fun way for children to get fit. It is important to teach children healthy habits while they are young.
Young Athletes is easy to do and fun for all. It can be done at home, in schools or in the community using the Young Athletes Activity Guide and basic equipment.

Everyone benefits from Special Olympics Young Athletes.

Motor Skills. Children with ID who took part in an eight-week Young Athletes curriculum saw seven month’s development in motor skills. This compared to a three month gain in motor skills for children who did not participate.
Social, emotional and learning skills. Parents and teachers of children who took part in the Young Athletes curriculum said the children learned skills that they will use in pre-primary school. The children were more enthusiastic and confident. They also played better with other children.
Expectations. Family members say that Young Athletes raised their hopes for their child’s future.
Sport Readiness. Young Athletes helps children develop important movement and sport skills. These skills get them ready to take part in sports and recreation activities when they are older.
Acceptance. Inclusive play has a benefit for children without ID as well. It helps them to better understand and accept others.

School Based Young Athletes Programs: Young Athletes is currently offered at 25 schools in Rhode Island. .

Community-based Youth Athletes Programs: Young Athletes is offered during the Fall and Spring Seasons at the Special Olympics Rhode Island office in Smithfield.

To register for the Young Athletes Program or would like more information, please contact Louise Miller using the button below.