Young Athletes Program (YAP)
This project's parent organization is Special Olympics Illinois
It operates in United States
It uses Indigenous games
More about Young Athletes Program (YAP)
Along with the physical and developmental benefits that result from YAP sports-play activities, this program is transforming societal attitudes and perceptions through its commitment to all-inclusiveness. The unique sports-play structure—bringing together children with intellectual disabilities and peer partners without in a friendly, supportive, and fun environment—helps alleviate fear of those who are “different” and sets the stage for more inclusive social and educational environments.
These children cheer and champion the efforts of their fellow athlete, and contribute to each other’s success through encouragement. Participants are learning, at their most impressionable age, the virtues of equality, compassion and acceptance.