Special Olympics PEI is thrilled to launch a new Youth Multi Sport Program for athletes ages 8-20 in West Prince. This program will offer an introduction to a variety of Special Olympics sports, in a recreational, non-competitive environment.  Interested athletes and volunteers are being recruited for this exciting new opportunity.

For the past five years Special Olympics PEI has offered two youth programs for Islanders with an intellectual disability aged 2-12. These youth programs, Active Start and FUNdamentals, were introduced with the goals of promoting physical literacy at a younger age, and acting as a gateway to Special Olympics’ core, adult sport programs.  Currently Special Olympics PEI offers youth programs in communities across the province.

Over the past five years, thanks in large part to focused youth programming, the number of youth registered in Special Olympics has seen phenomenal growth.  Currently almost one third of Special Olympics athletes in PEI are under 21 years of age.

It is with these younger athletes in mind that Special Olympics PEI is once again expanding to offer a Youth Multi Sport Program in West Prince.  This program aims to offer youth athletes, ages 8-20, an introduction to a variety of Special Olympics sports, in a recreational, non-competitive environment.  Sports being considered for the program include soccer, basketball, bocce, soccer and swimming.

As a starting point, Special Olympics PEI is looking for youth athletes interested in participating! This recruitment is being targeted both within Special Olympics’ current athlete base, and out into the community at large.  A parallel goal is recruiting volunteers. Volunteers for this program can help out with one sport specifically, or throughout the length of the program.

Interested athletes and volunteers are asked to get in touch with the Special Olympics PEI office to register for this free program, by calling 902-368-8919, or emailing sarah@sopei.com.