[Turin, Italy, 12 March 2025] An unforgettable celebration of inclusion and joy united 2,000 children across Italy through Young Athletes, an early childhood play program.
For the first time, simultaneous virtual participation in Young Athletes was offered along with in-person programing. In addition to 200 Young Athletes participating on site at Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025, another 2,000 participated virtually from over 20 schools across Italy, the largest Young Athletes activation ever.
“Today’s Young Athletes are tomorrow’s World Games champions. The virtual Young Athletes demonstration at the Turin Games is equipping schools and communities with proven programming that supports development and engages children of all abilities.”
The hybrid approach was designed to engage as many children as possible during the Games and showcase the possibilities of school-based inclusive early childhood play programs.
The Young Athletes program builds gross motor skills among children with and without intellectual disabilities aged 2 to 7 years old by introducing basic sport skills such as running, kicking, and throwing. It offers families, teachers, caregivers, and community members the chance to share the joy of sport with all children. Inclusive play helps children without disabilities better understand and accept others, and family members report that Young Athletes raises their hopes for their child’s future.
In 2024, more than 270,000 children participated in Young Athletes globally. To get involved with Young Athletes after the Games, contact a local Special Olympics Program or download the Young Athletes App to play at home: Apple | Google Play.
