Existing Young Athletes

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Young Athletes

Resources for Young Athletes

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ABOUT YOUNG ATHLETES

Special Olympics Colorado created Young Athletes in 2008 to reach out to children with intellectual disabilities. Young Athletes is an innovative sports play program for children ages 2-7 with intellectual disabilities and their non-disabled peers. Ultimately, Young Athletes introduces children, and families, to the world of sport, with the goal of preparing them for sports training and competition as they get older.

Improved social skills is another inspiring reason parents enroll their children in Young Athletes. The confidence boost makes it easier for them to interact with other children on the playground, whether or not they have intellectual disabilities.

GOALS OF THE PROGRAM

This program is designed to address two specific levels of play.

  • LEVEL 1:

    Physical activities focused on developing fundamental motor tracking and eye-hand coordination.

  • LEVEL 2:

    Applying these physical activities through a sports skills activity program and developing skills consistent with Special Olympics sports play. The activities will consist of foundational skills, walking & running, balance, and jumping, trapping & catching, throwing, striking, kicking and advanced skills.

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAM

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OBJECTIVE 1

Engage children with intellectual disabilities through developmentally appropriate play activities designed to foster physical, cognitive, and social development.

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OBJECTIVE 2

Welcome family members of children with intellectual disabilities to the Special Olympics network of support.

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OBJECTIVE 3

Raise awareness about the abilities of children with intellectual disabilities through inclusive peer participation, demonstrations and other events.

UPCOMING EVENTS

04 October 2025

Northeast Regional Bowling

Join us for Special Olympics Colorado events, where athletes of all abilities come together to compete, celebrate, and inspire. Experience the joy, excitement, and unity as we promote acceptance and[...]

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Highland Park Lanes, 1900 59th Ave.
Greeley, CO 80634 United States
+ Google Map
05 October 2025

Western Regional Bowling Tournament – Grand Junction

Western Region Bowling Tournament - Grand Junction Sunday, October 5 Location: Orchard Mesa Lanes 295 27 Rd. Grand Junction, CO 81503 Special Olympics Colorado is hosting the Western Region Bowling[...]

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Orchard Mesa Lanes, 295 27 Rd.
Grand Junction, CO 81503 United States
+ Google Map
11 October 2025

Denver Region Flag Football Tournament

Experience the thrill of competition at the Special Olympics Colorado Denver Region Flag Football Tournament. Come cheer on our determined athletes as they showcase their skills and team spirit in[...]

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Lowry Sports Complex Park, 8200 Sports Blvd.
Denver, CO 80230 United States
+ Google Map
17 October 2025

Fall Fest | Trunk or Treat

Join us for a fun filled night at our annual Fall Fest!

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Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, 6000 Victory Way
Commerce City, 80022
+ Google Map
01 November 2025

2025 State Flag Football Presented by Spectrum

2024 State Flag Football in Fort Collins Colorado

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Colorado State University Intramural Fields, 951 W. Plum St.
Fort Collins, CO 80521 United States
+ Google Map
23 November 2025

Young Athletes “Learn to” Bowling

Young Athletes "Learn to" Bowling Sunday, November 23 REGISTRATION REQUIRED Location: Bowlero Englewood 4900 S. Federal Blvd. Englewood, CO 80110 Special Olympics Colorado's Young Athletes are learning to bowl! Please[...]

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Bowlero Englewood, 4900 S Federal Blvd
Englewood, 80110 United States
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RESOURCES

Young Athletes includes several resources — a Young Athletes Activities Guide, a Training DVD and a Young Athletes Equipment Kit — to guide family members, educators and other professionals as they conduct Young Athletes activities with their children, brothers, sisters, cousins, grandchildren, students or patients.
An advanced curriculum guide for kindergarten to second grade (ages 5-7) students is currently being developed to ensure continued involvement after completing preschool Young Athletes.

Visit the Young Athlete YouTube Playlist
Join Young Athletes

CONTACT US

Mandi DeWitt

Senior Director of Young Athletes
(720) 359-3117
Email: mmd@specialolympicsco.org

Ashtyn Anderson

Young Athletes Coordinator
(720) 359-3137
Email: aanderson@specialolympicsco.org