Young
Athletes™ is an innovative sports play program. The program includes active
games, songs and other play activities that help children develop motor, social
and cognitive skills. Children with intellectual disabilities have this
opportunity to learn, grown and have fun. The program is designed to engage
their families, teachers, early intervention specialists and other
professionals. Special Olympics Young Athletes provides children with a general
introduction to the fundamental gross motor movements that will help them
become more successful in sport. While children can participate in Young
Athletes through age seven, as children get older, they are often ready for
more sport-specific coaching and instruction. Developmental sports activities
can provide an age-appropriate introduction to sports for children with and without
intellectual disabilities, ages 6-12 years old. Sport participation helps
children develop physically, mentally and socially and contributes to the
development of longterm healthy lifestyles. The fundamental skills and training
opportunities gained through developmental sports activities can support
children in their growth as Special Olympics athletes and unified partners.
Through partnerships with sport federations, this resource includes a variety
of sport-specific curricula that focus on skill development and can be used to
start developmental sports activities. Attendees will leave training with a
number of resources for physical activity, wellness, and student leadership
that will easily act as a supplement and support for current physical education
and activity lesson plans or programs.