Special Olympics Kansas Young Athletes Program Building confidence and bringing families together

 An innovative sports play program  For children ages 3-7 with intellectual disabilities, and their peers  Designed to introduce them to the world of sports  Intended to prepare them for Special Olympics eligibility at the age of 8 What is a Young Athletes Program?

 Improve child’s abilities…physically, cognitively, and socially  Raise public awareness about the child’s abilities  Offer a forum for meaningful interaction between child with intellectual disabilities and their peers  Expose families to the resources and support available within Special Olympics  Provide a vehicle for families to network with each other Young Athletes Goals

 Fundamental Skills  Walking & Running  Balancing & Jumping  Trapping & Catching Activity List

 Throwing  Striking  Kicking  Advanced Skills Such as Bounce & Catch, and Punting

 Preschools  Agencies serving children with intellectual disabilities  Families  Schools  Parks Districts SOKS plans to partner with:

 Volunteers  Clinicians to facilitate the program  Program aides to assist  SOKS staff members to recruit participants and train clinicians Who do we need to help implement the program?

How Do I Become a Clinician?  Complete a Young Athletes Clinician Application  Complete required SOKS paperwork  Class A volunteer form  Protective Behavior training (on-line at  Attend a Clinician training  Shadow a trained Clinician  Commit to running 4 clinics

Planning Steps  Identify a facility  Free or minimal cost (approval from Terri)  Size of Elementary School Gym  Free of obstacles  Available for 2 hour time frame  Identify local agencies who can assist in recruiting children -look for peer models

Planning Steps  Modify Generic flyer – post in local schools, community centers, and facilities for children with disabilities  Recruit - at least 4 children/no more than 16, require RSVP from families (staffing/equipment)  Contact Terri 2 mths prior to training to order activity kits  Recruit volunteers - Usually 8-10 (2 per station), usually High School Students

Develop a Training Plan  Plan warm-up activity  Simple large muscle stretching  Activity based on stretching  Identify stations based on Activity list in the training guide  5-6 stations depending on space  Focus on at least 3 different activity groups  Plan on approximately 5 minutes per station  Plan at least 1 group activity based on motor skills

Needed Paperwork and Supplies  Young Athlete Registration Form (example)  Young Athlete Release Form (example)  Religious Objections Form- if needed (example)  Day of Event Form- Volunteers (example)  Athlete Sign-in Form (example)  Activity kits and guides from SOKS  Pens/Pencils  Name Tags for parents, children and volunteers  First Aid kit

Training Day – Training Day – Prior to the Start  Set the arrival time to allow  Time to set-up stations  Have volunteer meeting, and  Have everything ready 15 minutes prior to arrival time  As children arrive confirm their paperwork is completed  Parents sign-in children and get name tags for children  At scheduled time bring everyone together  Encourage 1 parent to participate for every child  Describe schedule of activities to parents

Volunteer Meeting  Complete “Day of Event” Volunteer Form  Complete Name Tag  Have them help to set-up stations  Explain all the stations and objectives  Emphasize importance of demonstrating skill  Children will have different abilities  Make sure every child has success  Have FUN  Volunteers choose stations - 2 volunteers at each station

Training Day – Training Day – Start the Activities  Stretching Exercise (5 minutes)  Divide group into smaller groups - 3/4 children in each group  Assign groups to different stations  Rotate stations until everyone has done each activity - approximately 5 minutes at each station  Water/Restroom break  Organize large group activity to reinforce motor skills

Wrap Up  Group Huddle or similar activity at the end  Recognize volunteers  Give parents activity kit & activity guide  Thank parents

Post-Training  Evaluate the training session  Send registration forms to Terri

The Future of Young Athletes The Future of Young Athletes ™ Strengthen and Expand Young Athletes Program in Kansas Program in Kansas  200 young athletes in 2010  200 young athletes in 2011

The Future  Recruit next generation of Special Olympics athletes and Unified Partners  Enhance Young Athlete Resources  Target expansion statewide  Resource Development-Identify and cultivate new funding avenues  Integration-Position Young athletes as a starting point for Special Olympics experience

Questions?