Young Athletes
DEVELOPING SKILLS FOR SUCCESS.
Young Athletes™ is an innovative sports play program for children with intellectual disabilities, ages 3-7, designed to introduce them to the world of sports, prior to Special Olympics eligibility at age 8. The program focuses on the development of fundamental physical skills and the application of those skills through general fitness and recreational activities.
Created in consultation with the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, the activities foster cognitive and social development, muscular strength, hand-eye coordination and balance. The Special Olympics Kansas (SOKS) program offers two levels of participation. The level one “Motor Skills” clinics focus on the development of motor skills and hand-eye coordination for participants, ages 3-7, while the level two “Little Feet” clinics teach children, ages 5-7, how to apply those physical skills through participation in soccer, track and field, and group exercises and activities.
📚 West Wyandotte Library (1737 N 82nd St., Kansas City, KS 66112)
Mondays from 6:00PM – 7:00PM
Dates: 9/9, 9/16, 9/30, 10/7, 10/14, 10/21, 10/28
🏠 Down Syndrome Innovations (5916 Dearborn Street, Mission, KS 66202)
Wednesdays from 5:00PM – 5:45PM
Dates: 8/21, 8/28, 9/4, 9/11, 9/18, 10/16, 10/23, 10/30
📚 F.L. Schlagle Library (4051 West Dr, Kansas City, KS 66109)
Wednesdays (Time TBD)
Dates: 10/2, 10/9, 10/16, 10/23, 10/30, 11/6
🏅 Wichita/Ministry with Persons with Disabilities (St. Joseph Parish School Gym, 132 S Millwood Ave, Wichita, KS)
Wednesdays from 6:00PM – 7:00PM
Dates: 9/4, 9/11, 9/18, 9/25, 10/2, 10/9, 10/16, 10/23
How to get Involved
Monthly challenges
CHARTING THE COURSE FOR INCLUSION is designed as a series of whole
school engagement activities that Unified Champion Schools can
implement on their school campuses to activate students with and
without intellectual disabilities to participate in fun, unified challenges.
This guide provides clear instructions, guidance, challenge activities,
and materials needed to complete each challenge!
Cool School Plunge
Want to bring the plunge directly to your school? Join our Cool School Plunge! This is a unique way to raise funds for your Unified Activity.
Spread the Word
Spread the Word is a yearly campaign that encourages students to use inclusive and kind language. We provide the kit necessary to run this campaign in your school the first week of March.
Unified Classroom
Social Emotional learning lessons and resources for ages K-12 that can be used in any classroom setting. Lesson Topics include: