Sports Information Handbook - Special Olympics New Jersey

Young AthleteS ProgramSpecial Olympics Young Athletes is an early childhood sportsplay program for children aged 2-7 years old that includes games,songs and other fun physical activities. Created in consultationwith the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, YoungAthletes builds fundamental movement and fitness skills that teachemerging sports skills including, locomotion, balance, trapping,catching, kicking and striking. The program is designed to beflexible, allowing parents/siblings, paraprofessionals, teachers orvolunteers to conduct activities. The Young Athletes Program isused in preschool/schools, at-home and in community play groupsand programs. Inclusive activities are encouraged to help promotesocial development. Young Athletes events are held at various Area,Sectional and State competition events, many featuring a “FutureStars Race” where athletes from 2 ½ -7 take to the track. For moreinformation or to start a Young Athlete Program contact the SpecialOlympics New Jersey Young Athletes Program Manager.ATHLETE LEADERSHIPATHLETE UNIVERSITYAthlete University is an opportunity for athletes to benefit physically,mentally and socially as a result of being educated in a variety ofareas that directly relate to their lives. Athletes attend a series of fourconferences throughout the year on a wide range of relevant topics. Tobe eligible, the nominee should: be an active Special Olympics NewJersey athlete; be 16 years of age or older; be able to communicateeffectively; demonstrate proper behaviors; and be able to providetheir own transportation and commit to four sessions of the AthleteUniversity. Graduates will receive a certificate of completion fromSpecial Olympics New Jersey and be recognized at the SummerGames VIP Reception.ATHLETE CONGRESSThe Athlete Congress includes twenty-three Special Olympics NewJersey athletes who are selected to represent the Special Olympicsathletes of New Jersey. The athletes are empowered to voice theiropinions and recommend a course of action about various facets ofthe year-round sports training and athletic competition program. Themembers of the Congress are representative of South, Central andNorthern New Jersey. They have competed at the Chapter (state)level for at least three years and they are involved in multiple sportstraining and competitions during the year. The Congress meets fourtimes during the year and Delegates are expected to attend everymeeting.Sports Information Handbook 2013-2014 15