Special Olympics KansasYoung Athletes Program

Building confidence and bringing families together

An innovative sports play program

For children ages 3-7 with intellectual disabilities, and

their peers

Designed to introduce them to the world of

sports

Intended to prepare them for Special Olympics eligibility at the age of 8

What is a Young What is a Young Athletes Athletes Program?Program?

Improve child’s abilities…physically, cognitively, and

socially

Raise public awareness about the child’s abilities Offer a forum for meaningful interaction between child

with intellectual disabilities and their peers

Expose families to the resources and support available within

Special Olympics

Provide a vehicle for families to network with each other

Young Athletes Young Athletes GoalsGoals

Fundamental Skills

Walking & Running

Balancing & Jumping

Trapping & Catching

Activity ListActivity List

Throwing Striking Kicking Advanced Skills Such as Bounce &

Catch, and Punting

Preschools Agencies serving children

with intellectual disabilities

Families

Schools

Parks Districts

SOKS plans to partner SOKS plans to partner with:with:

Volunteers Clinicians to facilitate the program Program aides to assist

SOKS staff members to recruit participants and train clinicians

Who do we need to Who do we need to help implement the help implement the

program?program?

How Do I How Do I Become a Become a Clinician?Clinician?

Complete a Young Athletes Clinician Application

Complete required SOKS paperwork Class A volunteer form Protective Behavior training (on-line at www.ksso.org)

Attend a Clinician training Shadow a trained Clinician Commit to running 4 clinics

Planning Planning StepsSteps

Identify a facility Free or minimal cost (approval from

Terri) Size of Elementary School Gym Free of obstacles Available for 2 hour time frame

Identify local agencies who can assist in recruiting children -look for peer models

Planning Planning StepsSteps

Modify Generic flyer – post in local schools, community centers, and facilities for children with disabilities

Recruit - at least 4 children/no more than 16, require RSVP from families (staffing/equipment)

Contact Terri 2 mths prior to training to order activity kits

Recruit volunteers - Usually 8-10 (2 per station), usually High School Students

Develop a Develop a Training PlanTraining Plan

Plan warm-up activity Simple large muscle stretching Activity based on stretching

Identify stations based on Activity list in the

training guide 5-6 stations depending on space Focus on at least 3 different activity groups Plan on approximately 5 minutes per station

Plan at least 1 group activity based on motor skills

Needed Paperwork and Needed Paperwork and SuppliesSupplies

Young Athlete Registration Form (example)

Young Athlete Release Form (example)

Religious Objections Form- if needed (example)

Day of Event Form- Volunteers (example)

Athlete Sign-in Form (example)

Activity kits and guides from SOKS

Pens/Pencils

Name Tags for parents, children and volunteers

First Aid kit

Training DayTraining Day – – Prior to the Start

Set the arrival time to allow Time to set-up stations Have volunteer meeting, and Have everything ready 15 minutes prior to arrival

time

As children arrive confirm their paperwork is completed

Parents sign-in children and get name tags for children

At scheduled time bring everyone together Encourage 1 parent to participate for every child Describe schedule of activities to parents

Volunteer Volunteer MeetingMeeting

Complete “Day of Event” Volunteer Form

Complete Name Tag

Have them help to set-up stations

Explain all the stations and objectives Emphasize importance of demonstrating skill Children will have different abilities Make sure every child has success Have FUN

Volunteers choose stations - 2 volunteers at each

station

Training Day – Training Day – Start the Activities

Stretching Exercise (5 minutes)

Divide group into smaller groups - 3/4 children in

each group

Assign groups to different stations

Rotate stations until everyone has done each activity - approximately 5 minutes at each station

Water/Restroom break

Organize large group activity to reinforce motor skills

WrapWrap Up Up

Group Huddle or similar activity at the end

Recognize volunteers

Give parents activity kit & activity guide

Thank parents

Post-TrainingPost-Training

Evaluate the training session

Send registration forms to

Terri

The Future of Young The Future of Young AthletesAthletes™

Strengthen and Expand Young Strengthen and Expand Young Athletes Athletes

Program in KansasProgram in Kansas

200 young athletes in 2010 200 young athletes in 2011

TheThe FutureFuture

Recruit next generation of Special Olympics athletes and

Unified Partners

Enhance Young Athlete Resources

Target expansion statewide

Resource Development-Identify and cultivate new funding

avenues

Integration-Position Young athletes as a starting

point for Special Olympics experience

Questions?Questions?