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Young Athletes

Special Olympics Young Athletes, a sport and play program for children with and without intellectual disabilities (ID), ages 2 to 7 years old, offers families, teachers, caregivers and people from the community the chance to share the joy of sports with all children.
Two kindergarten teachers in Montenegro are showing the benefits of the Young Athletes program in their community.
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“It’s important to recognize that they may not accomplish growth or success in the same manner as many do, but our differently abled children will still accomplish remarkable milestones and pursue life goals!”
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A Special Olympics Kenya athlete shares his journey with Special Olympics and why he's so passionate about improving the lives of people of all abilities in his community.
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CBS Sports Radio host, JR Jackson spoke to Dr. Alicia Bazzano, Special Olympics Chief Health Officer about the benefits of sports, fitness and movement for people of all ages and abilities.
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Jennifer Hansen has worked for Special Olympics for over 10 years in multiple roles and now works as the Senior Manager of Young Athletes. Dr. Mercy Ng’eno is a consultant for Special Olympics and a pediatric cardiologist.
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Read about Hadbaa’s story joining Special Olympics Singapore in honor of World Down Syndrome Day.
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When Fahsai Saejang was born, her diagnosis—Down Syndrome and a hole in her heart—came as a shock.
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Learn more about Young Athlete Arianna's story and the Special Olympics partnership with BILLY Footwear entitled Inclusion Fits!
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What are short, fun, and seem to be on an endless energetic loop? Gifs of course…and children!
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It has been a year of profound challenges driven by restrictions, loss and uncertainty. The athletes of Special Olympics—many of whom were already severely marginalised by society—saw their daily lives made even more difficult with drastically reduced access to activities and education due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
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