Young Athletes is an innovative sports play program that introduces children ages 2-7 years old with and without intellectual disabilities to the world of sports. There is no better way to introduce children to the Special Olympics community than through Young Athletes, fostering inclusion in a fun and engaging setting for all!

If you’d like to join a Young Athletes program near you, please fill out the Young Athletes Application and select your local program.

Questions? Contact Health Programs Coordinator Lindsey Swanson at [email protected] or 763.270.7187.

Current & upcoming Young Athlete sessions

Lakeville Young Athletes

Wednesdays, February 21-March 27
4:45-5:30 PM

Lakeville Community Education
17685 Juniper Path #200
Lakeville, MN 55044
Google Maps

Minnetonka Young Athletes

Thursdays, March 7-April 18
5:30-6:15 PM
no class Apr 4

Minnetonka Community Education Center
Studio 20
4584 Vine Hill Rd
Excelsior, MN 55331
Google Maps

You must register directly with Minnetonka Community Ed.

Sauk Centre Young Athletes

Tuesdays, March 19-April 23
6-7 PM PM

Sauk Centre Armory
628 Sinclair Lewis Ave
Sauk Centre, MN 56378

Google Map

Big Lake Young Athletes

Wednesdays, April 3-May 8
5-5:45 PM

Big Lake Liberty Elementary
17901 205th Ave
Big Lake, MN 55309
Google Maps

You must register directly with Big Lake Community Education.

Valley Friendship Club Young Athletes

Saturdays, April 6-May 11
10-10:45 AM

Valley Friendship Club
6201 North Osgood Ave
Stillwater, MN 55082

Google Maps

You must register directly with Valley Friendship Club.

Plymouth Young Athletes

Sundays, April 14-May 19
2-3 PM

Plymouth Creek Center
14800 34th Ave N
Minneapolis, MN 55447
Google Maps

You must register directly with the City of Plymouth.

If you’re interested in implementing Young Athletes in your child’s preschool classroom, please contact Lindsey Swanson at [email protected].

Young Athletes volunteer opportunities

We’re looking for volunteers to help at Young Athletes sessions across Minnesota. Volunteers help lead children through a series of activities and sport-related skills drills approximately once a week for 6-8 weeks. Training and equipment provided.

If you are interested, please contact Lindsey Swanson at [email protected] for more information about opportunities in your area!