Young Athletes Program Opens Opportunity for R-O-D Family

Special Olympics Indiana is developing a Young Athletes program that launches in 2025. The goal is to start with one program in each of the 10 Areas.

Built for children ages 2-7 with and without intellectual disabilities, Young Athletes meets participants at their developmental level to help them improve physical, cognitive and social skills. By introducing basic sport skills, such as running, kicking and throwing, the program offers families, teachers, caregivers and community members the chance to share the joy of sports with all children.

Melissa Laugle is a mom from Greendale, Ind., who attended a Young Athletes demonstration along with her 3-year-old son, Landon, hosted by the Ripley-Ohio-Dearborn County Program. The group met once per week for eight weeks.

What drew you to the program?

My son has some developmental delays, so going into this program was in the hopes that it would help him. 

What did you think of the experience?

This experience was amazing and beneficial for my child. 

Did the program fit your child’s social, physical and mental development?

Yes. This program was perfect for him. The volunteers and the people running it were so amazing and patient. Landon made some great friendships here. 

What did you learn about Special Olympics you may not have known before the program? 

Going into this program, I was unsure about everything, but afterward, I’m glad I signed him up for it. The Special Olympics program is amazing, and what they do for our young athletes is amazing.

Did your child stay engaged throughout the session?

Yes. He stayed engaged the whole session. At first, he wasn’t too sure about it, but after two weeks he was so excited to go. I think that anyone with a child who has the opportunity to be a part of the program should try it out.