Special Olympics Young Athletes is an early childhood play program for children with and without intellectual disabilities, ages 2 to 7 years old. Young Athletes introduces basic sport skills, like running, kicking and throwing. Young Athletes offers families, teachers, caregivers and people from the community the chance to share the joy of sports with all children.

Young Athletes welcomes children and their families into the world of Special Olympics.

Motor skills. Children with intellectual disabilities who took part in Young Athletes developed motor skills more than twice as fast as others who did not take part.
Social, emotional and learning skills. Parents and teachers of children who took part in the Young Athletes curriculum said the children learned skills that they will use in pre-primary school.
Expectations. Family members say that Young Athletes raised their hopes for their child’s future.
Sport readiness. Young Athletes helps children get ready to take part in sports when they are older.
Acceptance. Inclusive play helps children without a disability to better understand and accept others.
Young Athletes Learn to Play Days

Young Athletes Learn to Play Soccer - Dickinson

Join us for a FREE, inclusive sport and play program for children of all abilities ages 2–7! Families are invited to learn, play, and have fun together in a welcoming environment. Open to all abilities | No cost to participate

Come kick off the fun -- everyone belongs on the field!

April 18, 2026 at the West River Community Center, 2004 Fairway Street, Dickinson, ND 58601

Pre-registration: https://forms.gle/PxvwnNP93n8mCxZC8

Walk-up Registration: 9:00–10:00 AM

Session Time: 10:00–11:00 AM

Or, Join us as a Volunteer!

Help us create a fun, welcoming, and inclusive experience for children of all abilities ages 2–7 at our Young Athletes soccer event! No soccer experience required—just a positive attitude and a love for kids.

Volunteer roles include:
• Check-in / Registration
• Lead sport skill stations
• 1:1 support for children ages 2–7

Time Commitment:
Check-in: 9:00–10:00 AM
Event: 10:00–11:00 AM

Volunteer today! Register here: https://forms.gle/MmPXj1fNm8ioELXv8

Make a difference. Build confidence. Create belonging.

Questions? Call 701-746-0331 or email jerickson@specialolympicsnd.org.

Click here to download Young Athletes Registration & Waiver forms. These forms must be completed once annually.

Welcome to Healthy Start

Check out the toolkit linked below for for information provided through various links, videos, and text. It may be helpful to discuss certain parts of the toolkit with your child’s healthcare provider, teachers, therapists or family members.

This toolkit was designed to allow you to read it in any order. Based on where you are on your journey, you may choose to revisit different sections or come back to the information later.

Healthy Start Toolkit