Season: Winter (January to February)
Email: YAP@somdmontgomery.org
Overview: The Young Athletes Program™ is an innovative sports play program for children with intellectual disabilities, ages 3-7. It introduces them to the world of sports prior to Special Olympics eligibility at age 8. The program focuses on developing fundamental physical skills and applying those skills in general fitness and recreational activities. Children learn how to play with others and develop important skills for learning. Children also learn to share, take turns and follow directions. These skills help children in family, community and school 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. Athletes learn how to apply those physical skills through participation in soccer, track and field, and group exercises and activities.
In addition, the program works towards the following objectives:
- Providing children with intellectual disabilities developmentally appropriate play activities designed to foster physical, cognitive, and social development;
- Promoting social development through group activities;
- Developing muscular strength and endurance through repetitions, hand-eye coordination, and balance;
- Providing an experience that will lead to an appreciation of fitness, and sport for the whole family; and
- Welcoming family members of children with intellectual disabilities to the Special Olympics network of support.
| Coaches | Molly Eisenfeld, Shelly Bogasky |
| Season Dates & Times | Practices: January 14th, 21st, & 28th, 2024 February 4th, 11th, & 18th, 2024 Time: 10:15 to 11:00 am Location: The Barrie School, 13500 Layhill Road, Silver Spring, MD 20906 |
| Medical & Volunteer Expiration Date | The expiration date on an athlete’s Registration Form, or a Volunteer’s certification, must be after the above date to participate in the upcoming season. Check athlete status here. Check volunteer status here. |
Special Olympics Resources for the Young Athletes Program
- Young Athletes Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Young Athletes Brochure (PDF)
- Young Athletes Activity Guide
- Let’s Play Together YA (video): Promotional video introducing Young Athletes.
- Young Athletes Stories: Stories about the impact of Young Athletes around the world.
- Realizing the Bright Future of Your Child with an Intellectual Disability
Equipment: SOMO provides all equipment.
Uniform Requirements: Tennis shoes, exercise apparel.
Practice Overview: The Young Athlete Program is offered in one-hour, family friendly sessions; parents are encouraged to participate.
In all seasons, practice activities include:
- Walking & Running
- Balance & Jumping
- Trapping & Catching
- Throwing
- Striking
- Kicking
- Advanced Skills
Practice Locations:
- Winter “Basketball”
- Location: TBD
How to Apply for the Young Athlete Program
- Complete the Young Athlete Registration Form
- Complete the Special Olympics Communicable Disease Wavier
- Signup online under Sport Season Signup each season