Youth Programs (Active Start and FUNdamentals)

Active Start is a family-centred activity program for children with an intellectual or developmental disability ages 2-6. Through the program, children learn basic motor skills such as walking, running, jumping, balancing and throwing in a fun and safe environment.

These skills provide support for everyday activities as well as a base for Special Olympics sports training and competition as athletes grow older

• Age: Two to six
• Priority: Active participation for fun, development of physical literacy
• Objective: Develop play skills through movement and daily physical activity
• Skills: Basic motor skills, ex: walking, running, jumping, balancing, etc

FUNdamentals is a continuation of the Active Start program for athletes with an intellectual or developmental disability ages 7-12. This program transitions from basic movement skills to basic sport and physical literacy skills while maintaining an atmosphere of fun and meaningful interaction.

This program also promotes specific sport education, proper nutrition, and social inclusion through participation in positive sport environment. The skills learned in this program provide support for everyday activities as well as a base for Special Olympics sports training and competition as athletes grow older.

• Age: Seven to twelve
• Priority: Development of Fundamental Movement Skills
• Objective: Physical Literacy
• Skills: Basic Sport Movement Skills, ex: kicking, throwing, catching, striking, dribbling, etc.

FUNdamentals focuses on developing basic sport skills while creating a level of enjoyment for physical activity in young athletes. Through these ideals, we hope that this will encourage children with disabilities to live a healthy, active life through sport. FUNdamentals uses activity sessions that look at specific sport skills such as, kicking, throwing and catching. These movements can be transferred into a number of various sports as well as everyday tasks.