About Young Athletes

The Special Olympics Young Athletes program is an innovative sports play program for children ages 2 through 7 designed to introduce young children with intellectual disabilities, their peers and their families to the world of Special Olympics.

Young Athletes ages 2 through 7 participate in movement and motor skill games and activities year-round, including traditional soccer skills (fall), basketball skills (winter), and introductory track and field events (spring). The Young Athletes Program helps improve coordination and motor skills in preparation for traditional Special Olympics programs beginning at age 8.