Here’s a fun and FREE activity for ALL young sports and fitness fans from our friends with Special Olympics. It’s called Young Athletes, and we’ve got all you need to know if you’d like to try the program out! There’s a free intro tomorrow-that’s Wednesday the 11th-in Puyallup!
What is Young Athletes:
Young Athletes™(YA) is a program focused on early introduction for young children to sports and the world of Special Olympics. It is an inclusive sport program intended to improve motor and social skills in a fun and comfortable environment that can be translated into everyday skills and events.
Who can participate:
Children, ages 2 -7, both with and without intellectual disabilities.
How much does Young Athletes cost:
FREE!!
Sounds great, right? If you’d like to give it a try, or just get a sense of what the program is all about, there are three upcoming events.
- Edge Fitness Experience — November 11 @ 1 PM at Edge Fitness in Puyallup-Eep! That’s tomorrow!
- Arena Sports Experience — November 18 @ at Arena Sports in Seattle
- East King County Area Summit – December 5th @ Eastside Catholic High School
At these events there will be additional information for any parents, family members, teachers etc. that are interested in the weekly curriculum and opportunity for weekly events. Those are typically 8 week programs that take place in community centers, schools, or homes, although there is lots of flexibility built into the program.
Why should you consider Young Athletes:
This program was created by Special Olympics to meet developmental and physical needs of children ages 2-7. Studies have shown 7 months of motor skill development after just one eight week program. It is an opportunity for families to become more aware of a child’s abilities as well as gain an appreciation of fitness and sport through interaction with the Special Olympics network.
The following video will give you a great insight into the excitement and progression of Young Athletes!
Special Olympics Young Athletes Welcome Video
Want to know more? You can email Madi at mvelling@sowa.og or Chara at cmcelfish@sowa.org. You can also visit the Special Olympics of Washington website here.
Note from SFM: We just got this scoop yesterday. I do apologize for the short notice, but I hope some of you can make it, and I hope you’ll consider passing on the info. in your parenting and school networks. You can just show up at the Puyallup event Wednesday, and they’ll have t-shirts and ribbons for participants!
That Puyallup area event is at Edge Fitness Experience — November 11 @ 1 PM. Edge Fitness is at the mall in the old Bally’s. There is still some signage that says Competitive Edge, but I promise it’s the right place.
If you’re able to make it, we’d love to hear all about it!