Young & Junior Athletes
Young Athletes™ is a unique sport and play program for children with and without intellectual disabilities. The focus is on fun activities that are important to mental and physical growth.
Children ages 2 to 7 enjoy games and activities that develop motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Young Athletes is an early introduction to sports and to the world of Special Olympics. The children learn new things, play and have lots of fun!
The skills developed using the Young Athletes curriculum prepare children to transition to Special Olympics sports teams and competition settings once they reach the age of 8.
The Young Athletes program is flexible and can be offered in a school or community setting, as well as by parents at home.
Find at-home resources by clicking here.
Junior Athletes is a non-competitive, multi-sport play program for children with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities from ages 6 to 12. Junior Athletes focuses on the development of a child’s physical literacy prior to competitive or recreational Special Olympics sport participation and supports the development of key social and emotional skills, like teamwork, cooperation, and self-management.
Learn more about Junior Athletes by clicking here.
Children ages 2 to 7 enjoy games and activities that develop motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Young Athletes is an early introduction to sports and to the world of Special Olympics. The children learn new things, play and have lots of fun!
The skills developed using the Young Athletes curriculum prepare children to transition to Special Olympics sports teams and competition settings once they reach the age of 8.
The Young Athletes program is flexible and can be offered in a school or community setting, as well as by parents at home.
Find at-home resources by clicking here.
Junior Athletes is a non-competitive, multi-sport play program for children with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities from ages 6 to 12. Junior Athletes focuses on the development of a child’s physical literacy prior to competitive or recreational Special Olympics sport participation and supports the development of key social and emotional skills, like teamwork, cooperation, and self-management.
Learn more about Junior Athletes by clicking here.
Upcoming Sessions
2026 State Basketball Junior Athletes
Special Olympics Young Athletes™ is a sport and play program for children with and without intellectual disabilities, ages 3 to 7. The focus is on fun activities that help develop beginner sport skills essential to mental and physical growth. Young Athletes is partnering with We Rock The Spectrum to introduce beginner sports skills and teamwork and have lots of fun each week!
Events are free to register. A parent/guardian must remain on-site throughout the entire program.
- Athletes ages 6-12
- Saturday, March 7th, 10:45 - 11:30 AM
- McQuiddy Gym at Lipscomb University
- CLICK HERE to register
Special Olympics Young Athletes™ is a sport and play program for children with and without intellectual disabilities, ages 3 to 7. The focus is on fun activities that help develop beginner sport skills essential to mental and physical growth. Young Athletes is partnering with We Rock The Spectrum to introduce beginner sports skills and teamwork and have lots of fun each week!
Events are free to register. A parent/guardian must remain on-site throughout the entire program.
Want to learn more?
Click here to complete this interest form, and we will add you to our contact list for upcoming events.
For any questions, please contact the Young Athletes Team at eshewmaker@specialolympicstn.org.
For any questions, please contact the Young Athletes Team at eshewmaker@specialolympicstn.org.
TN First Lady Maria Lee attends Special Olympics Young Athletes Camp
