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Young Athletes

Young Athletes

Special Olympics Young Athletes is an early childhood play program for children with and without intellectual disabilities, ages 2 to 7 years old. Young Athletes introduces basic sport skills, like running, kicking and throwing. Young Athletes offers families, teachers, caregivers and people from the community the chance to share the joy of sports with all children.


Young Athletes welcomes children and their families into the world of Special Olympics.

  • Motor skills. Children with intellectual disabilities who took part in Young Athletes developed motor skills more than twice as fast as others who did not take part.
  • Social, emotional and learning skills. Parents and teachers of children who took part in the Young Athletes curriculum said the children learned skills that they will use in pre-primary school.
  • Expectations. Family members say that Young Athletes raised their hopes for their child’s future.
  • Sport readiness. Young Athletes helps children get ready to take part in sports when they are older.
  • Acceptance. Inclusive play helps children without a disability to better understand and accept others.


    New-Young Athletes Learn to Play Days

  • LEARN TO PLAY BASKETBALL
    • REGISTRATION REQUIRED- Register here
    • February 1st, 2025:  Fort Lincoln Elementary School (2007 8th Ave SE, Mandan, ND 58554)
  • LEARN TO PLAY SOCCER
  • LEARN TO PLAY FITNESS FIELD DAY

Question? Call 701-746-0331 or email aroaldson@specialolympicsnd.org.

DOWNLOAD THE YOUNG ATHLETES APP

Get personalized activities based on your child’s development, access health resources, and chat directly with other families in your area. The Young Athletes app is for families and caregivers of young children, with and without ID, ages 2-7 years old. Download on the Google Play or Apple app stores today.

Special Olympics North Dakota is proudly sponsored by these program partners