Special Olympics Young Athletes is an early childhood play program for children with and without intellectual disabilities, ages 3 to 10 years old. Young Athletes introduces basic sport skills, like running, kicking and throwing. It focuses on play-based activities that help to develop motor skills, social, emotional and learning skills.
Young Athletes provides children of all abilities the same opportunities to advance in core developmental milestones. Children learn how to play with others and develop important skills for learning. Children also learn to share, take turns and follow directions. These skills help children in family, community and school activities.
Young Athletes is a fun way for children to stay active and establish healthy habits for the future. It is important to teach children healthy habits while they are young. This can set the stage for a life of physical activity, friendships and learning.
All young athletes between 3 to 10 years are welcomed. Depending on their abilities, some athletes (between 8 and 10 years) join a specific sports discipline
All children with intellectual disabilities are required to fill in an enrollment form which can be found on Get Involved | Special Olympics Malta . Once the athlete is registered in the system, they will be invited to participate in an assessment training session and will be asked to fill in a medical form. The athlete joins the program group depending on their ability.
Medical Requirement: A medical form is required and must be renewed every two years.
