Special Olympics Idaho Young Athletes
Special Olympics Idaho Young Athletes Program is an early childhood play program for children with and without intellectual disabilities, ages 2 to 12 years old. Young Athletes introduces basic sport skills, like running, kicking and throwing. Young Athletes offers families, teachers, caregivers and people from the community the chance to share the joy of sports with all children.
What’s Next?
Upcoming Young Athlete Events
Young Athletes at State Summer Games
Participate in our Athlete Carnival and Opening Ceremonies Parade on Friday, and join us Saturday morning for Young Athletes activity stations!
When: May 29th-30th
Time: 3:00-7:30 pm on Friday, 10:00 am-12:00 pm on Saturday
Where: Nampa High School
Contact: laney@idso.org | (509) 990-2752
REGISTER HERE: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfzQ5JPkNuUPVqX_ZJig-RtPeZTNwnMnpxnfyusGJx8uuMaXQ/viewform?usp=header
Young Athletes Learn to Play Bocce
Learn to Play Bocce is a fun and inclusive program designed to introduce athletes of all abilities to the game of bocce. Participants will learn the basics of rolling, aiming, scoring, teamwork, and sportsmanship through simple drills, games, and guided play. At the end of the 5 weeks, they will then play at our Southwest Fall Regionals on August 22 . Whether it’s your first time or you’ve played before, these sessions focus on building confidence, making friends, and having fun in a supportive environment. No experience needed.
When: July 21st-August 18th, every Tuesday from 10:00-11:00 am.
Where: Kristin Armstrong Municipal Park Bocce Courts
REGISTER HERE: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1QrobNhmY09UJSYvlrN7q6LBP0FGA8FTqJjCq24GxcM0/edit
Our Programs
LEARN TO PLAY
Learn to play bocce, basketball, tee ball, floor hockey and more in this fun and engaging introduction to sports.
YA COMMUNITY TEAMS
Offer your child individual, or team, competitive athletic opportunities at the community level. Build a love of sport, have fun and meet some amazing friends along the way!
RED SHIRT ROOKIES
Offer your child individual, or team, competitive athletic opportunities at the community level. Build a love of sport, have fun and meet some amazing friends along the way!
Register your Athlete
Register with our Young Athletes program to receive updates on upcoming opportunities, events, sport leagues and resources designed to support early play and development. Whether you're ready to jump in or just want to learn more, signing up is the first step to staying connected.
Register today and be the first to hear what’s coming next!
Young Athletes welcomes children and their families into the world of Special Olympics.
Motor skills. Children with intellectual disabilities who took part in Young Athletes developed motor skills more than twice as fast as others who did not take part.
Social, emotional and learning skills. Parents and teachers of children who took part in the Young Athletes curriculum said the children learned skills that they will use in pre-primary school.
Expectations. Family members say that Young Athletes raised their hopes for their child’s future.
Sport readiness. Young Athletes helps children get ready to take part in sports throughout the program. Making them ready to become an athlete when the time is right.
Acceptance. Inclusive play helps children without a disability to better understand and accept others.