Special Olympics Indiana – Young Athletes

Special Olympics Indiana – Young Athletes is a sport and play program where children take part in activities such as running, kicking, throwing, and other activities and games that match their individual skill and ability levels. The program introduces basic sport skills in a fun and inclusive environment for children with and without intellectual disabilities.

• Ages: 2–7 years old
• Schedule: An eight-week Young Athletes curriculum has been shown to result in seven months’ development in motor skill for children with intellectual disabilities who participated, compared to a three-month gain for children who did not participate.

Special Olympics Indiana – Young Athletes can be done at home, in schools, or in the community using the Young Athletes Activity Guide and basic equipment. Parents and teachers of children who took part in the Young Athletes curriculum reported that the children learned skills they will use in pre-primary school, were more enthusiastic and confident, and played better with other children. Family members say that Young Athletes raised their hopes for their child’s future. Through Young Athletes, all children, their families, and people in the community are welcomed into the world of Special Olympics and can be part of an inclusive team.

Special Olympics Indiana, founded in 1969, is a nonprofit part of the global Special Olympics movement. Its mission is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, offering them continuing participation in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community. Special Olympics Indiana uses sport, health, education, and leadership programs to end discrimination against and empower people with intellectual disabilities, and uses sport as a catalyst for social change by exposing inequity and highlighting the abilities of people with intellectual disabilities to break down misperceptions and negative attitudes. With more than 20,000 athletes and Unified partners, supported by 10,000 coaches and volunteers, Special Olympics Indiana relies entirely on donations.

Last updated May 12, 2026.