About Young Athletes Young Athletes introduces children with intellectual disabilities and their families to the world of Special Olympics by pursuing the following goals: Engage children with intellectual disabilities through developmentally appropriate play activities designed to foster physical, cognitive, and social development; Welcome family members of children with intellectual disabilities to the Special Olympics network of support; Raise awareness about the abilities of children with intellectual disabilities through inclusive peer participation, demonstrations and other events. Young Athletes is a versatile program that can work in various learning situations. The program is designed for families to play with their young athletes at home in a fun atmosphere. It is also appropriate for preschools, schools and playgroups to use with small groups of young children with and without intellectual disabilities. The flexibility of Young Athletes ensures the opportunity to welcome families and their young children into the Special Olympics family. The Young Athletes program includes several resources to guide family members, educators and other professionals as they conduct Young Athletes activities with their children, brothers, sisters, cousins, grandchildren, students or patients. Young Athletes Activities Guide - descriptions of the official Young Athletes activities; Training DVD - instructional video of children performing the Young Athletes activities; Young Athletes Equipment Kit - equipment needed to perform the activities; www.specialolympics.org/youngathletes – further resources, materials and information. Before conducting Young Athletes activities, families, teachers and/or coaches should understand the following guidelines: Become familiar with each of the tasks listed under the major skills in the Young Athletes Activity Guide; · Have observed a skilled performer executing the skill or activity (review the activities on the DVD); and · Always begin by explaining the skill you would like to observe. When possible, demonstrate the skill. HAVE FUN!   For more information or answers to questions about Young Athletes email: youngathletes@specialolympics.org