DEVELOPING SKILLS FOR SUCCESS.
Young Athletes™ is an innovative sport and play program for children with and without intellectual disabilities, ages 2-7, designed to introduce them to the world of sports, prior to Special Olympics eligibility at age 8. Young Athletes introduces basic sports skills and fundamentals, like running, kicking, and throwing, and supports the growth of important motor, social, and learning skills.
- Junior Athletes provides an age-appropriate introduction to sports for children with and without intellectual disabilities, ages 8-12. Serving as the bridge between Young Athletes and traditional Special Olympics or Unified Sports, it focuses on skill development in a fun, low-pressure environment. Junior Athletes helps build sport-specific skills, preparing children for future competition and fostering a pathway to lifelong Special Olympics participation.
Check Out Our Resource Portal
YOUNG ATHLETES Program Models
Young Athletes in Schools
The School Based Model is implemented in a pre-school, day care, or elementary school setting in classes, conducted by a teacher.
Young Athletes in Communities
The Community Based Model is implemented in libraries, community centers, recreation centers, churches, or similar organizations by trained volunteers and coaches.
Young Athletes in Homes
The At Home model is implemented at home by a parent or caregiver for an individual child or a child and siblings.
Benefits of Young Athletes
Motor Skills
Children with intellectual disabilities who took part in Young Athletes developed motor skills more than twice as fast as others who did not take part.
Social, Emotional And Learning Skills
Children learn important skills that are useful in pre-primary school and throughout life.
Fun and Easy
Learn how to play with others in an inclusive environment that’s fun and engaging.
Sport Readiness
Young Athletes helps prepare children for participation in sports when they are older.
Acceptance
Inclusive play is beneficial to all children and helps children without a disability to better understand and accept others.
Physically Active
It’s important for children to learn healthy habits at a young age. Young Athletes encourages staying physically active while learning!
Young Athletes at Home
Young Athletes offers families a collection of resources and activities for inclusive play at home. Download Here
Join our Contact List
We’re always looking for families to get involved, volunteers interested in being trained to facilitate programs in their region, and sites to host Young Athletes and Junior Athletes programming. Whether you’re looking to get your child involved, start a Young Athletes or Junior Athletes program in your area, access At-Home resources, join our contact list for future or current programming, or just looking to learn more—we’re here to help. To get started, please fill out the interest form below or contact Lauren Van Volkenburgh at vanvolkenburghl@soks.org
resources for Families
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING
“The first time Milo came he told me he was nervous and did not think he could do it. I told him I would help him and he agreed to try.
When it came time to jump from one dot to the next, down a line, I helped him on one side and a volunteer on the other. Milo jumped successfully down the line.
He broke into the biggest smile I had ever seen and pride just radiated, illuminating the entire gym. I looked over at his parents and they were beaming with tears in their eyes. In that moment, I thought to myself, “this is why we are here. This one family’s experience makes everything worth it.” The great news is that we get to experience a Milo-like moment every week.”
Leader of Young Athletes Program, Special Olympics Kansas
STILL NEED HELP?
Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have.
