Special Olympics - New Hampshire : Young Athletes

The Young Athletes Program™ (YAP) is a sports play program for children with intellectual disabilities ages 2-7, designed to introduce them to the world of sports prior to Special Olympics eligibility for competition at age 8.

The program is designed to address two specific levels of play:

Level 1 includes physical activities that focus on developing motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Level 2 concentrates on the application of these physical skills through sports skills programs.

Overall, the program activities are designed to help children with disabilities improve physically, cognitively and socially. Young Athletes is also fun and appropriate for children without disabilities. Many Young Athletes Programs serve as an opportunity for children with and without to play and interact together.

The Young Athletes Program in New Hampshire is a great introduction for athletes and their parents to Special Olympics, and while athletes are the primary focus and beneficiary of the program, benefits extend to family members in many ways such as, a social network with other parents and improved connection with their athlete, among other benefits.

Resources

YAP Locations

City/Town	Location	Date/Time	Practice Coach
Bedford	Bedford High School Mini Gym	Fridays 3:30pm - 4:30pm	Karrie Welch
Concord	Concord YMCA	Sundays 3:00pm - 4:00pm	Jamie Boisvert
Epping	Epping Middle School	Saturdays 9:00am - 10:00am	Heidi Langlais
Manchester	Manchester Community Music School	Thursdays 5:15pm - 6:15pm	Emily Langton
Nashua	Immaculate Conception Parish	Fridays 4:00pm - 5:00pm	Michael Umali

For More Information
If you would like to be part of the Young Athletes Program as a parent, coach or volunteer, please contact Bill Jones via email or by phone at (603) 624-1250 ext. 33.

2012 STATE SUMMER GAMES

The State Summer Games are the largest of more than 20 competitions Special Olympics New Hampshire holds each year! Join hundreds of volunteers, coaches and Local Programs in cheering on our athletes as they compete May 31st - June 2nd at UNH in Durham. Learn more about the event here.