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Young Athletes Program comes to Warren

Being an athlete is more than just being fast or strong. A lot of what makes a good athlete is what makes a good person. They work well with others. They follow the rules. They have fun.

This is the basic idea behind the Special Olympics Young Athletes program that meets every Tuesday and Friday at the Kinzua Youth Development Center at 9 a.m.

The free program is for children of all abilities aged 2 to 7, from those with special needs to those who have none. The program “sets the stage for a lifetime of physical activity, friendships, and learning.”

The program is designed to be adjusted based on the ability levels of the children who attend, according to coordinators Mandie Englert and Leesa Lutton. Both Englert and Lutton have taken training to coordinate the program, and both are certified special education teachers.

“The programs are structured to allow the flexibility to adjust the lesson and games to the children you have that day.” Englert said.

Not only does the program help children with special needs and learning disabilities, but it also benefits other children who learn about and learn to accept children with different abilities than their own.

Children who have gone through the program display increased enthusiasm and confidence, and also played better with their peers.

The program lasts 45 minutes and a parent or guardian must remain present for the duration of play.

Starting at $3.50/week.

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