Check out this great explanation of Young Athletes and Unified Champion Schools to better understand how to fully involve your school in these programs.
Special Olympics Young Athletes™ is an inclusive early childhood sports and educational play program for children aged 2 to 7 years old, with and without intellectual disabilities, that includes games, songs and other fun, physical activities.
With an emphasis on training and participation through activities and play, rather than competition, young athletes learn basic sports skills like kicking and throwing a ball, and playing with others.
Young Athletes™ also provides children with gross motor skills training, group interaction and socialization opportunities. These basic skills will prepare the Young Athletes for future participation in sports.
SOWV supports local programs, early childhood development centers, and elementary schools to adopt the Young Athletes Program into their curriculum and programming. We have resources to support you and help you get started!
Young Athlete Forms
All Young Athlete participants must complete this packet of forms prior to participation:
Young Athlete Volunteer Forms
All volunteers assisting with the YA Program must complete the Class A Volunteer/Coach Requirements. Learn more:
Young Athlete information
Young Athletes Overview Brochure
Benefits of Participation
- Increases a young child’s strength and coordination in preparation for sports participation.
- Inclusive sports and education opportunity for children ages 2-7 with or without disabilities
- Introduces young children to group play, cooperation and awareness of rules.
- Focus placed on socialization, interaction and fun.
- Teaches “everyday” skills
- Fosters family interaction
- Provides an opportunity for younger participants that are not eligible for Special Olympics sports
Parents: Young Athletes offers fun and fitness for the whole family!
- Parent/Child activity group where the whole family can exercise together!
- Siblings are welcome to participate!
- Families make meaningful connections and exchange valuable resources
Special Education Teachers: Young Athletes is a great addition to your classroom! Available to Early Head Start, Head Start, Preschool and classrooms Kindergarten through 2nd grade.
Young Athletes Program includes:
– Curriculum
– Equipment kit with balls, cones, balance beam, etc.
– Access to tons of online resources and videos
– Training provided by Special Olympics West Virginia staff or volunteers
– All students participate, regardless of diagnosis
In order to get involved:
- Email Wendy Miller to see what is offered in your community or to see how you can help start Young Athletes in your area (it can be a community-based program or done right in your home!)
- Complete the registration form below and submit it to your local contact. When in doubt, you can send it directly to Wendy Miller.