Special Olympics Young Athletes is a sport and play program for children with and without intellectual disabilities (ID), ages 2 to 7 years old. Young Athletes introduces basic sport skills, like running, kicking and throwing.

Young Athletes provides children with activities and games that meet their individual skill and ability levels, while allowing them to play together in a fun and inclusive environment. Children of all abilities take part, and they all benefit.

• Children learn how to play with others and develop important skills for learning. Children also learn to share, take turns and follow directions.
• Young Athletes is a fun way for children to get fit. It is important to teach children healthy habits while they are young.
• Young Athletes is easy to do and fun for all. It can be done at home, in schools or in the community using the Young Athletes Activity Guide and basic equipment.

School Based Young Athletes Programs: Young Athletes is currently offered at 25 schools in Rhode Island.

Community-based Youth Athletes Programs: Young Athletes is offered during the Fall and Spring Seasons at the Special Olympics Rhode Island office in Smithfield.