Young Athletes

Young Athletes is a sport and play program for children with and without intellectual disabilities. The goal is to introduce children 2-7 years old to basic sport skills. Children participate in play that is geared to developing fine and gross motor skills, basic sports skills, learning, and social skills that they need as they get older and advance in play. 

Everyone benefits from Young Athletes

Motor skills

Children with intellectual disabilities (ID) who took part in an eight-week Young Athletes curriculum saw seven months’ development in motor skills. This is compared to a three month gain in motor skills for children who did not participate.

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. The children were more enthusiastic, confident and played better with others.

Expectations & Acceptance

Family members say that Young Athletes raised their hopes for their child’s future. Inclusive play has a benefit for children without ID as well. It helps them to better understand and accept others.

Sports Readiness

Young Athletes help all children to develop important movements and sport skills. These skills get them ready to take part in sports and recreational activities when they are older.

Where Can Young Athletes Happen?

In short, anywhere!​

School

Home

Community

Department of Early Childhood Education Center (8)
Bouge Chitto Early Education Center
Conehatta Child Care Center
Pearl River Head Start
Pearl River Early Head Start
Pearl River Day Care
Red Water Early Childhood Center
Standing Pine Childhood Center
Tucker Early Childhood Center
Our Libraries
Harrison County Library
Laurel -Jones County Library System
Ridgeland Public Library
Starkville- Oktibbeha County Public Library System
Warren County – Vicksburg Public Library

Our Head Start Centers
Bolivar County Community Action Agency (6)
Billy J. McCain Head Start Center
Cleveland Head Start Center #1
Cleveland Head Start Center #2
Cleveland Head Start Center #3
Rosedale Head Start Center
Shaw Head Start Center

Our Elementary Schools
McWillie Elementary School
Popular Springs Elementary School
Hopewell Elementary School
East Flora Elementary School

Are You Interested In Young Athletes?

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