Special Olympics Idaho Young Athletes

Special Olympics Idaho Young Athletes Program is an early childhood play program for children with and without intellectual disabilities, ages 2 to 12 years old. Young Athletes introduces basic sport skills, like running, kicking and throwing. Young Athletes offers families, teachers, caregivers and people from the community the chance to share the joy of sports with all children.

What’s Next?

Upcoming Young Athlete Events

Play Unified Youth Sports Clinics – New Plymouth

  • When: Every Monday and Wednesday, June 9 – July 16

  • Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

  • Where: Kiwanis Park, 148-216 W Ash St, New Plymouth, ID 83655

  • Contact: youngathletes@idso.org | (986) 224-0833

Play Unified Youth Sports Clinics – Nampa

  • When: Every Tuesday through Thursday, June 10 – July 16

  • Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

  • Where: Lakeview Park, 1304 7th Street N, Nampa, ID 83686

  • Contact: uccs@idso.org | (208) 697-4895

Register your Athlete

Register with our Young Athletes program to receive updates on upcoming opportunities, events, sport leagues and resources designed to support early play and development. Whether you're ready to jump in or just want to learn more, signing up is the first step to staying connected.

Register today and be the first to hear what’s coming next!

Young Athletes welcomes children and their families into the world of Special Olympics.

  • Motor skills. Children with intellectual disabilities who took part in Young Athletes developed motor skills more than twice as fast as others who did not take part.

  • 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.

  • Expectations. Family members say that Young Athletes raised their hopes for their child’s future.

  • Sport readiness. Young Athletes helps children get ready to take part in sports throughout the program. Making them ready to become an athlete when the time is right.

  • Acceptance. Inclusive play helps children without a disability to better understand and accept others.