Since its inception in 1968, Special Olympics has offered sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities who are 8 years old and older. But now, there is an exciting and rapidly-growing program for children with special needs, as young as two years old, called Special Olympics Young Athletes Program!
The Young Athletes Program is an innovative sports play program for children ages 2-7 with intellectual disabilities and their peers (with and without disabilities), designed to introduce them into the world of sports.
The benefits of this program have been proven worldwide. First and foremost, these activities help the children improve physically, cognitively and socially. But it also raises awareness about the opportunities, fun, and benefits their child can experience when they become full-fledged Special Olympics athletes upon turning eight years old.
Like all Special Olympics programs and services, the Young Athletes Program is offered at absolutely no cost to the Young Athlete's family. This is only possible through the generosity of the individuals, businesses and groups who support the mission of Special Olympics.
For families, the Young Athletes Program is more than free early intervention therapy: it serves as an introduction to the resources and supports Special Olympics Florida families,and it provides an environment where families can support one another, engage in play with their children/siblings, and experience pride in their child's accomplishments.
This program is designed to address two specific levels of play. Level 1 includes physical activities focused on developing fundamental motor tracking and eye-hand coordination. Level 2 concentrates on the application of these physical activities through a sports skills activity program and developing skills consistent with Special Olympics sports play. The activities consist of foundational skills, walking and running, balance, jumping, trapping and catching, throwing, striking, kicking and advanced skills.
Young Athletes starts children with special needs and their families on a lifelong path of fitness, sports, fun, socialization and achievement!
To learn more, visit
specialolympicsflorida.org
