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

Young Athletes Learn to Play Tee Ball

Learn to Play Tee Ball is a fun and inclusive program designed to introduce athletes of all abilities to the game of Tee Ball. Participants will learn the basics of hitting, pitching, fielding, catching and sportsmanship through simple drills, games, and guided play. Whether it’s your first time or you’ve played before, these sessions focus on building confidence, making friends, and having fun in a supportive environment. No experience needed. Ages 4-12.

Young Athletes is proud to begin Learn to Cycle, an event where kids will learn Bike Safety, Riding Skills, Confidence and Independence! Please register asap- scan the QR code or email Laney at laney@idso.org

Our Programs

LEARN TO PLAY

Learn to play bocce, basketball, tee ball, floor hockey and more in this fun and engaging introduction to sports.

YA COMMUNITY TEAMS

Offer your child individual, or team, competitive athletic opportunities at the community level. Build a love of sport, have fun and meet some amazing friends along the way!

RED SHIRT ROOKIES

Red Shirt Rookies is an Elementary School Program that introduces children ages 6-12 with or without intellectual disabilities to a fun, inclusive sports environment from an early age. Athletes with intellectual disabilities, will be paired up with a unified partner, and they will practice and compete alongside each other.

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!

Click here for Young Athlete Registration
Click here for Unified Partner Registration

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.