A new club for budding young athletes has opened up in
Lakeview School, Galway. Galway Special Olympics Young Athletes Club welcomes
children and their families into the world of Special Olympics by showing how
all children can be valued for their talents and abilities. The Young Athletes
Programme is a play and sport activity for children from 4-7 years with an
intellectual disability and introduces them to a wide range of play activities
in a familiar, supportive and fun environment. Due to the large number of
children wishing to attend, they run two sessions each Saturday – one from
10-11am and one from 11am-12pm. We invite you to Come and Try any Saturday.
Parents and guardians also take part in the sessions which is led by qualified
coaches.
SOYA, which was launched nationally last year, also
introduces the children to fundamental movement skills such as throwing,
catching, jumping and balancing.
The benefits of physical activity are well known and the
benefits of the Young Athlete Programme go far beyond play and sport.
• Helps
children learn how to communicate and interact with each other
• Promotes
the development of learning and self-help skills
• Introduces
children and their parent's to the Special Olympics and a support network
• Prepares
children for joining a Special Olympics Club in the future
• Fosters
an interest in sport and physical activity
What does every child want? The chance to kick a ball, to
throw it well, to share that success with family members. What does every child
with intellectual disabilities want? The exact same thing.
Children learn how to play with others and develop important
skills for learning. Children also learn to share, take turns and follow
directions. These skills help children in family, community and school
activities. Young Athletes is a fun way for children to get fit. It is
important to teach children healthy habits while they are young. This can set
the stage for a life of physical activity, friendships and learning. Special
Olympics research found that children participating in Young Athletes
experienced a seven-month gain in motor skills as well as a four-month
advantage in development at a follow-up appointment.
The club is always looking for more volunteers to get
involved and no experience is needed. If you would like to volunteer at the
club or become a member you can contact them on Facebook @GalwaySOYA, or email
[email protected] .
#PlayUnified
