Young Athletes Programme
The Young Athletes programme is a play and sports activity programme for children from 4 to 12 years with an intellectual disability. It introduces children to a wide variety of play activities in a familiar, supportive and fun environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
Tackling the Disparities
The Young Athletes Programme is about giving children with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to learn an develop their physical and sports skills in a fun and supportive environment.
The programme addresses the findings found in Dr. Hayley Kavanagh’s groundbreaking research, which uncovered an alarming disparity in the motor skills of children aged 4-12 with intellectual disabilities.
The findings were stark: 100% of children with intellectual disabilities in the study struggled to balance, 68% couldn’t catch a ball, 77% couldn’t kick a ball, and 40% couldn’t run effectively. These startling statistics revealed a systemic issue—but not one rooted in disability. As Dr. Kavanagh explained, “This has nothing to do with their intellectual disability but is purely down to things like an increase in sedentary behaviour and a lack of opportunity to take part in sport and physical activity.”
Real Lives, Real Transformations
The Young Athletes Programme makes a real difference in the lives of young athletes and their families.
Deborah Kilmartin, whose daughter Anna participated in the programme, spoke emotionally about its impact:
“We played a lot of sports, and it was important that Anna was involved in sports. The things it has done for her—it has given her the foundation to play sport. When she left Young Athletes, she was sports-ready. It has filled Anna with so much confidence, and her two sisters both volunteer with Special Olympics. It gives them such joy—they wouldn’t miss it. Anna plays so many sports now, we need an Excel sheet to manage it all!”
Anna herself proudly added, “I play basketball, football, horse riding, and rugby. I love it—being with my mum who helps me. I like playing and seeing my friends.”
Special Olympics Coach Louise Grant shared a similarly touching account:
“We have seen huge changes in children. We had a boy who wouldn’t come into the hall, wouldn’t even make eye contact. Now he is playing basketball with his friends—he isn’t even wearing his noise-protection earphones anymore. The confidence it gives them is incredible. The routine is so important—these kids are getting their stuff ready the night before; they’re excited to get to their clubs. The confidence change is huge.”
Information and Resources
For more information on the Special Olympics Young Athletes programme, you can contact the relevant regional office here.
Please see the links below for Young Athlete Programme Resources including the Young Athlete Activity Guide.
