Children’s sports play introduces youth to Special Olympics

Continuing its success in Duluth, Special Olympics Minnesota’s Young Athletes program once again offers classes to children ages 2-7.

The program uses basic sports equipment to encourage children to exercise their bodies and imaginations while enhancing social interaction between the athletes, families and surrounding communities.

Children with and without intellectual disabilities come together for an hour-long weekly session, during which they are given opportunities to work on hand-eye coordination and basic motor skills training. Beneficial to all young athletes, this weekly program runs 3:30-4:30 p.m. every Wednesday between Oct. 31 and Dec. 12 at Woodland Community Center, 3211 Allendale Ave., Duluth.

A goal of the Young Athletes program is to welcome family members of children with intellectual disabilities into the Special Olympics network of support before the children are of age to participate in Special Olympics events. This goal of inclusion and understanding is one shared statewide by Special Olympics Minnesota programs.

To register, visit www.duluthymca.org or call 218-722-4745, ext. 100. The cost is $34 for YMCA members and $59.25 for non-members.

For information and scholarship details, contact Emily Reckinger at emily.reckinger@somn.org or 612-604-1274. A detailed schedule including all locations may be found online at http://specialolympicsminnesota.org/Young_Athletes.php.

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