Special Olympics North Carolina offers year-round sports training and athletic competition in 20 Olympic-type sports to children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Competition is open to anyone ages 8 and older with intellectual disabilities, and programs are designed to serve all ability levels. Special Olympics offers two programs designed to allow children age 7 and under to join the movement.

The Special Olympics Play Activities Program is designed for children 6 and 7 years old who are not yet eligible to compete in Special Olympics. The program provides play activities for young children to increase strength and coordination in preparation for sports opportunities. It also introduces children to group play and the cooperation and awareness of rules that group play requires.

The Young Athletes Program is designed to introduce children with intellectual disabilities ages 2 to 5 years old and their families to the world of Special Olympics by fostering physical, cognitive and social development. The program is ideal for preschools, schools, playgroups and home settings. The program develops foundational skills such as: walking, running, throwing, striking, trapping catching and more. The Young Athletes program is available only through Special Olympics North Carolina accredited local programs and includes several resources (DVD, equipment kit etc.) to guide family members, educators or other professionals in executing the program.

For more information on the Play Activities or Young Athletes programs, contact A'Lisa Tello, SONC vice president of field services and program innovations.