Youth Programs
Special Olympics Manitoba offers youth programs designed to help children and youth with an intellectual disability develop fundamental motor and sport skills through fun and positive movement. Active Start and FUNdamentals are two initiatives developed by Special Olympics Canada for young athletes between 2 and 12 years old, while our Junior Programs provide a bridge for participants ages 13–21 to continue building their skills, confidence, and love for sport in a fun, inclusive environment.
Active Start
An early childhood program for children ages 2-6 with an intellectual disability. This parent and child program is a fun, play-based session that helps build early movement skills. It includes basic movement concepts, static balance, running, stopping/starting, jumping, throwing/rolling a ball, catching/trapping a ball, kicking a ball, and striking a ball.
Fundamentals
Building on skills that were introduced through the Active Start program, the FUNdamentals program is for children aged 7 to 12 years.
This program is for athletes who are looking to develop more sport-specific skills and includes the following sports:
- Athletics (running, jumping, throwing),
- Soccer (kicking, running),
- Basketball (catching),
- Softball (striking)
- and more!
Junior Programs
Providing a bridge for athletes aged 13-21 to continue in programs after FUNdamentals.
Our Junior Programs give youth the opportunity to stay active and connected through sport. Designed as a natural next step after FUNdamentals, these programs focus on teamwork, sport-specific skill development, and social interaction — preparing athletes for future participation in recreational or competitive Special Olympics programs.
For more information and to find out what youth programs are in your area, please use the form below to contact us: