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.