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

Unlabeled Theatre Young Athletes

Wednesdays, November 8-December 20
3:30-4:30 PM
No class November 22

St. Peter’s Edina Lutheran Church
5421 France Ave S #2357
Edina, MN 55410
Google Map

Valley Friendship Club Young Athletes

Sundays, January 6-February 10
10-10:45 AM

Valley Friendship Club
6201 North Osgood Ave
Stillwater, MN 55082
Google Maps

You must register directly with Valley Friendship Club.

Willmar Young Athletes

Sundays, January 21-February 25
3-4 PM

Willmar Civic Center
2707 Arena Dr, Court 1
Willmar, MN 56201
Google Maps

You must register directly with Willmar Parks & Recreation.

Plymouth Young Athletes

Sundays, January 28-March 10
2-3 PM
no class Feb 18

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

You must register directly with the City of Plymouth.

Volunteer for Plymouth Young Athletes sessions

Belle Plaine Young Athletes

Saturdays, February 3-March 9
9-9:45 AM

Chatfield Elementary
330 S Market St
Belle Plaine, MN 56011
Google Maps

You must register directly with Belle Plaine Community Ed.

Eden Prairie Young Athletes at Cedar Ridge

Mondays, February 5-March 11
5-6 PM
no class Feb 19

Cedar Ridge Elementary School
8905 Braxton Dr, Gym 3
Eden Prairie, MN 55347
Google Maps

You must register directly with Eden Praire Community Ed.

Eden Prairie Young Athletes at Forest Hills

Wednesdays, February 7-March 6
5-6 PM

Forest Hills Elementary School
13708 Holly Rd, Gym B
Eden Prairie, MN 55346
Google Maps

You must register directly with Eden Praire Community Ed.

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

Registration through Lakeville Community Ed coming soon!

Volunteer for Lakeville Young Athletes sessions

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.

Volunteer for Big Lake Young Athletes sessions

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.

Volunteer for Plymouth Young Athletes sessions

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!