DOVE: Special Olympics Young Athletes

**This program is a semester-long commitment.**
By registering for this opportunity you are expected to commit weekly to this program for the following dates: 9/22 (mandatory orientation), 9/29, 10/6, 10/20, 10/27, 11/3, 11/10, 11/17
The reason some DOVE programming is structured like this is to create a sense of consistency for our more vulnerable partners, and to allow for volunteers to build relationships throughout the semester. There are also mandatory trainings and onboardings for these programs that each student volunteer is expected to complete.

Program Description:

The Special Olympics Young Athletes Program is an inclusive sports play program for children ages 2-7 with intellectual disabilities. The program focuses on gross motor development and sports play that teaches skills like balance, jumping, kicking, walking & running, trapping & catching, throwing, striking, and foundational skills. Athletes will have the opportunity to be exposed to a variety of different sports and skills in an inclusive space for all abilities.

All of our programing is led by volunteer coaches and assistance volunteers that engage with athletes and their families to help facilitate activity stations or games with introduction to sport skills. Our goal is to inspire the next generation of Special Olympic New Jersey athletes to join a local training program when they are eligible at 8 years old and be part of a lifelong sports organization.

Young Athletes program focuses on the following skills:

• Foundational Skills (strength, flexibility, and body awareness)

• Walking & Running

• Balance & Jumping

• Trapping & Catching

• Throwing, Striking, Kicking

• Introduction to Sports Skills

Onboarding for Young Athletes Program Coaches Minimum age: 18 years old

Requirements: (must be completed every 3 years)

• Class A Volunteer Forms and Waivers

• Submit Background Check on portal

• Protective Behaviors training

• Concussion Awareness training

• Young Athletes Coach training