Young Athletes participant transitions to R-O-D program

Young Athletes is a sport-and-play program for children with and without intellectual disabilities ages 2-7 years old. It introduces basic sport skills such as running, kicking and throwing, providing children with activities and games that meet their individual skill and ability levels in a fun and inclusive environment.

By developing these abilities at a young age, the program helps children develop the foundational skills required to participate and compete in the 20 sports offered through Special Olympics Indiana across the state – either as an athlete or as a Unified partner.

Natalie Amison signed her son, Logan, up for the Young Athletes program offered by the  Ripley-Ohio-Deaborn County Program.

After completing the 8 weeks of instruction and activity, Logan “graduated” to the R-O-D bowling team, where he became one of the first Young Athletes participants to enroll in a county program.

Here is a Q&A with Amison about her son’s journey so far.

Why did you sign your child up for Young Athletes?

We signed Logan up for young athletes to keep him a part of the community, build relationships and try to find some interests for him. 

What did you learn about Special Olympics through Young Athletes that you did not know before?

Honestly, we didn’t know a lot. We had only known about Young Athletes from a brochure sent home from school, and it wasn’t until Young Athletes that we learned about everything offered with Special Olympics.
The main thing we learned was he could start participating at age 8. We thought he would need to be much older to be involved.

How did he enjoy his time in Young Athletes? Was there any particular part he enjoyed best?

He did enjoy Young Athletes. He’s definitely the type who likes being out and doing things. So, he enjoyed going and watching everyone. He loved the obstacle courses the most. 

What was it like watching him?

It was amazing watching him try some new things and learn to do different things as well. It was nice because the stations gave an opportunity to find likes and dislikes or at least attempt something new. He got to practice hitting a t-ball and kick soccer balls but also work with others tossing and catching. What made it easier for us was him being able to watch how other children do things so he could see how to do it.

How did Logan enjoy the peer-to-peer learning aspect of Young Athletes?

Logan enjoyed being part of the group and observing the activities around him. He was one of the oldest participants, and many of the other athletes were younger, but he built meaningful connections with the volunteers and became comfortable in the Special Olympics community.

Seeing familiar volunteers again at bowling has been especially encouraging, and it’s been wonderful to feel supported by such a welcoming group of athletes and families.

When did you enroll him in the Special Olympics R-O-D county program?

He did Young Athletes in spring 2025, and then we signed up for Special Olympics R-O-D in the fall for bowling. He was eligible to do the fall Young Athletes, but the dates didn’t work out for us. So, we decided to just go ahead and try bowling. 

How has he enjoyed that? What sport(s) does he play?

He absolutely loved the Special Olympics R-O-D bowling. We already knew he loved to bowl, and when we got there for the first session, his face just lit up. He knew he was there to bowl.

He had only ever used an assistive bowling ramp and bumpers. R-O-D bowling coach Jeanette, who was helping, said let’s try to get him to bowl without them, and if he needs it later we can do it that way. I’m so glad she suggested that because he was able to bowl without. He still needed help from his dad, and he’s still learning, but he had the best time.

We didn’t do any competitions besides the local event that was built into the sessions, because he still needs help, and he gets tired after a while from carrying the bowling ball. He will definitely be going back next fall. We’re not sure if there is anything else he would like to participate in, but we are thinking about snowshoeing for next year. 

Anything else you would like to add?

Had the Young Athletes program been around when Logan was younger, we definitely would have joined. It was a great way to meet others in a safe space and learn new activities and also transition easier to Special Olympics.

The first day of bowling, it was nice to see friendly familiar faces when we walked in.