For children with and without intellectual disabilities.
(LAWRENCEBURG, Ind.) – A new initiative is underway for local children through the Special Olympics of Ripley Ohio Dearborn (ROD) counties.
They have launched the Special Olympics’ Young Athletes program for children aged 2 to 7 with and without intellectual disabilities. ROD is the first in Indiana to launch the program.
It’s a sports play program that focuses on fundamental motor skills development, including running, kicking, and throwing, all within a fun and inclusive environment.
According to ROD, studies show that after two months of participation in Young Athletes, children with intellectual disabilities experienced a seven month gain in motor skills.
The inaugural eight-week session of Young Athletes will begin on August 27 at the Lawrenceburg Community Center. Sessions will continue for the next seven weeks on Tuesday of each week.
After the initial launch, the program’s goal is to offer additional 8-week sessions in various communities throughout Ripley, Ohio and Dearborn counties.
“We are incredibly excited to bring the Young Athletes program to our community. This program not only supports the physical development of young children but also fosters inclusion, understanding, and friendship from an early age. We are honored to be the first and only county program in Indiana to offer this transformative experience,” said Yvonda Kramer, Young Athletes Coordinator of Special Olympics Indiana
The launch of the Young Athletes program has been made possible through a grant from the Dearborn Community Foundation.
For more information or to register for the Young Athletes program, click here or email youngathletes@soindiana-rod.org.
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