Special Olympics Young Athletes is a sports play program to introduce children to the world of physical activity, to develop essential motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Starting early to improve physical, social and emotional development are key factors for future health and growth.
An example of this is young Abel Chanda from George Clinic in Zambia. Abel has paralysis from the waist down. Even so, when he saw the other children hopping through hula hoops, he was not content to stay where he was in the coloring circle! Without asking for any assistance, he moved over to the hula hoops and persevered until he pulled and lifted his legs through every single one.
His determination and self-confidence brought so much joy to the other children, and he is counted as Special Olympics Zambia Young Athletes’ greatest achievement.