From mastering the balance beam to perfecting their free throws, local aspiring athletes are learning to embrace the power of sports through the Special Olympics: Young Athletes Programs. One of the fastest-growing groups on campus, the club runs community sport and play activities for children with and without intellectual disabilities, ages 2 to 7 years old.
Led by Merrimack students, the kids develop basic sport skills such as running, kicking and throwing, while learning important life skills like sharing, taking turns and following directions. In 2020, Special Olympics honored the program by designating Merrimack as a Unified Champion School®, recognizing the College’s commitment to the Special Olympics’ goal of shaping a generation that welcomes everyone.
“Inclusion is the most important aspect of our program. We have worked hard to promote inclusion and are proud of the Unified Champion Schools recognition.” – Margaret Ford ’21, Former President, Young Athletes Program
