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Special Olympics offers year-round sports training and athletic
competition in 30 Olympic-type sports to children and adults with
intellectual disabilities, 20 of which are offered in North Carolina.
Participation is open to anyone ages 8* and older, and programs
are designed to serve all ability levels. There is no charge to
participate in Special Olympics.
Athlete-Related Sports Intiatives
Special Olympics North Carolina also offers the Motor Activities
Training Program (MATP) for persons with severe limitations
who do not yet possess the physical and/or behavioral skills necessary
to participate in official Special Olympics Sports.
Special Olympics Unified SportsŪ brings together
athletes of comparable age and athletic ability with and without
intellectual disabilities to train and compete together.
Special Olympics for Young Children- Ages 7 & Under
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. TheYoung Athletes program is only available through
SONC accredited local programs.
For more information on the MATP, Unified Sports or Play Activities
and Young Athletes programs, email A'Lisa Tello at
atello@sonc.net,
SONC vice president of field services and athlete innovations..
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