Young Athletes is an innovative sports play program for children with intellectual disabilities, ages 2 to 7, designed to introduce them to the world of sports prior to Special Olympics. Young Athletes is designed to meet the physical and developmental needs of children in the areas of physical activity and play. This program is loaded with opportunities for language development, social interaction and learning numbers, colors, shapes, and more.

The Young Athletes Program provides a unique environment in which parents and siblings can take an active role in their Young Athlete's participation and development.

Program Sponsors

Young Athletes is a versatile program that can work in various learning situations. The program is designed to be simple enough for families to play with their young athletes at home in a fun atmosphere and it is also appropriate for preschools, schools, and playgroups to use with small groups of young children with and without intellectual disabilities.

Parents, the Young Athletes Program offers fun and fitness for the whole family!
Parent/Child activity group where the whole family can exercise together
Groups meet weekly for one hour
Locations throughout Kentucky
Siblings are welcome to attend
Families make meaningful connections and exchange valuable resources

Special Education Teachers, the Young Athletes Program is a great addition to your classroom!
Available to Developmental Preschool and classrooms Kindergarten through 2nd grade
The Young Athletes Program includes:
Activity guide
Equipment kit with balls, cones, balance beam, etc.
Instructional DVD
Training provided by Special Olympics Kentucky Staff
All students participate, regardless of diagnosis

Upcoming Young Athlete Programs

Northern Kentucky
The Northern Kentucky area will be hosting a Young Athletes Program at Caywood Elementary School. The session will be held for 8 weeks, meeting Monday nights at the school gym, April 1 through May 20 from 6:30-7:30pm. If anyone has any questions about the program, please contact Beth Hoffmann bahoff@insightbb.com.

Caywood Elementary School
3300 Turkeyfoot Road
Edgewood, KY 41017

Bullitt County
Bullitt County will be hosting their first ever Young Athletes Program in Shepherdsville at St. Aloysius Church gym. The session will be held for 6 weeks, meeting Tuesday nights April 9 through May 14 from 5:30-6:30 pm. If anyone has any questions about the program, please contact Brittany Abell at babell@soky.org or 502-695-8222.

St. Aloysius Church
187 S. Plum Street
Shepherdsville, KY 40165