Young Athletes is an innovative sports play programme for children with intellectual disabilities.  The programme is designed to introduce children between the ages of 2–7 to the world of sports, giving such children the continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, imitation skills and social interaction skills. It also an avenue where they could possibly demonstrate courage and helps to build their cognitive skills.  Young athletes is a versatile programme that can work in various learning situations.

The young athletes programme is also designed for families to play with their young athletes at home in a fun atmosphere to help develop their skills for success as a future Special Olympics athlete.  It is important to note that this programme is appropriate for young athletes without any intellectual disabilities.