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 uses the Young Athletes Activity Guide and basic equipment and can be done at home, in schools, or in the community.

• Ages: 2–7 years old
• Schedule: An eight-week Young Athletes curriculum has been used in which children with intellectual disabilities showed seven months’ development in motor skill.

Special Olympics Indiana – Young Athletes is a sport and play program for children with and without intellectual disabilities ages 2 to 7 years old. Young Athletes introduces basic sport skills such as running, kicking, and throwing and provides children with activities and games that meet their individual skill and ability levels while allowing them to play together in an inclusive environment. Children of all abilities take part, and they all benefit, and children learn how to play with others, share, take turns, and follow directions, which are skills used in family, community, and school activities. Young Athletes is described as a fun way for children to get fit, and it is stated that teaching healthy habits while children are young can set the stage for a life of physical activity, friendships, and learning. It is stated that everyone benefits from Special Olympics Young Athletes, and that 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.

According to reported outcomes, children with intellectual disabilities who took part in an eight-week Young Athletes curriculum saw seven months’ development in motor skill, compared to a three-month gain in motor skills for children who did not participate. Parents and teachers of children who took part in the Young Athletes curriculum said 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. Young Athletes helps children develop important movement and sport skills, and these skills get them ready to take part in sports.

Special Olympics Indiana, founded in 1969, is a nonprofit part of the global Special Olympics movement, using sport, health, education, and leadership programs to end discrimination against and empower people with intellectual disabilities. With more than 20,000 athletes and Unified partners supported by 10,000 coaches and volunteers, Special Olympics Indiana relies entirely on donations. Special Olympics Indiana uses sport as a catalyst for social change, exposing inequity and highlighting the abilities of people with intellectual disabilities to break down misperceptions and negative attitudes.

Last updated May 12, 2026.