Special Olympics held a meeting for people from many different countries. In this meeting, they learned about a project to help young children train in sports. They also learned how to make families take part and work with other families to help those children.

The Young Athlete Programme is an exceptional sport and play program for children with intellectual disabilities. It is directed at children between 2 and 7 years old. The goal of the programme is to introduce these children to the world of sport, to prepare young children for Special Olympics sports training and competition when they get older. One of the direct benefits of the Young Athlete Programme (YAP) is to improve the physical and social development, hand-to-eye coordination and self-esteem of these children. The programme focuses on the basics that are crucial to cognitive development, while providing parents with a more positive outlook and hope for the child’s future.

Special Olympics Europe/Eurasia (SOEE) held a seminar on the Young Athlete Programme and Family Support Network. The seminar took place in Leicester, England, counting on the attendance of representatives·from 18 different European countries. The aim of the seminar was to train EU member programs of Special Olympics on the implementation and development of the Young Athletes Program and the Family Support Network. The seminar, funded by the European Union was supported by Leicester’s School Development Support Agency and West Gate School. Students from this school participated in daily demonstrations on the practical aspects of the program.  The seminar also focused on how to provide opportunities for families to network as well as participate in their loved ones’ training. This is the Family Support Network.

As a result of this seminar, 18 Special Olympics EU Member States were fully trained in the delivery of the Family Support Network and Young Athlete Programme. They attended presentations delivered by experts, discussions, demonstrations, interactive sessions and were presented the SOEE Strategic plan. A minimum of six different national programmes are already with a plan in place as a result of this seminar. Moreover, two advisory committees were put in place as a resource in forward planning and evaluation of the programmes.

To know more about this programme contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .