Youth in Motion: Special Olympics: Young Athlete Program

Age Range: 2 ½ to 7

The Special Olympics Young Athlete Program, created in consultation with the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, helps develop motor and athletic skills in young children so as to support their participation in the Special Olympics when they turn age eight. The program introduces sports to children with intellectual and physical disabilities — a way to teach physical skills and to instill active lifestyles in the lives of these children at a very early age.

This program’s design allows flexibility for the parent, sibling, teacher, volunteer, or paraprofessional to conduct activities using a specially created Youth Athlete Activity Program.

The program is available free of charge and includes user-friendly instructions and a complete kit of sports activity equipment. The Young Athlete Program can be presented in a preschool or school environment, playgroup or one-on-one situation. The program is designed for children of all ability levels and can be used by parents among siblings or in more formal playgroups.

The following items are provided in the Young Athlete Program Kit:

• balance beam
• light, inflatable ball
• bean bags
• cones
• dowels
• floor markers
• hoops
• paddle
• scarf
• slow motion ball
• small foam ball

The Youth Athlete Activity Guide teaches:

• foundational skills
• walking & running
• balance & jumping
• trapping & catching
• throwing
• striking
• kicking
• advanced skills

The Young Athlete Program allows for creativity, enabling sports skills to be developed in a fun, playful environment that can include family and friends. It also offers families the opportunity to share in the success of their future athlete and provides an experience that can lead to an appreciation of fitness and sport for the whole family. Inclusive activities are encouraged, which help promote social development. Most importantly, families will see their child’s potential through their preparation for participation in sports.

Strengths

• Flexible — can be taught easily by parent or volunteer
• Tools and toys are provided by Special Olympics through Youth Athlete Program Kit

Innovative Ideas

• Fully functional program kit with tools suited to children with disabilities
• Begins teaching love of and participation in physical activities at a very early age

Implementation

• Contact the Special Olympics office to assess current programs in your area
• Survey community to find families with disabled children through school districts
• Form groups of children who can play together
• Find safe and available space for play
• Encourage each parent, teacher or volunteer to request Young Athletes Program Kit by registering on the web site

Resources
www.sonj.org
Special Olympics New Jersey, a non-profit organization providing athletic training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Includes information about the sports facilities, athletic and fundraising events, and program registration.

Contacts
Special Olympics New Jersey
3 Princess Drive
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
info@sonj.org
Office: (800) 650-SONJ in New Jersey
(609) 896-8000 out of New Jersey
Fax: (609) 896-8040