Active Start & FUNdamentals: Community Programs

Two young athletes are hugging each other tightly and smiling for the camera.

Special Olympics Saskatchewan offers two community youth programs for children with intellectual disabilities ages 2-12: Active Start and FUNdamentals. Both programs run on a 12-week session cycle. Each class runs for 1 hour, once a week.

Typically Active Start and FUNdamentals run on the same day of the week, back-to-back.

Participation in Special Olympics Youth Programs leads to a greater involvement within the participants' community, increases social opportunities, helps create strong friendships, provides families with an opportunity to be active together, and increases the quality of life for those with an intellectual disability.

Special Olympics offers child and youth programs designed to help children with an intellectual disability develop basic motor and sports skills through fun and positive movement experiences. Special Olympics promotes opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, enhance skills and create friendships.

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Active Start

Is a family-centered program targeting children with intellectual disabilities ages 2 to 6. Through the program, children learn basic motor skills such as walking, running, jumping, and throwing in a fun and safe environment.

Skills Developed through the Active Start Program Are:

Physical Skill Acquisition
Physical Fitness
Social Skill

Development
Decision Making
Knowledge
Understanding
Appreciation

of Physical Activity

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FUNdamentals

Is a continuation of the Active Start Program for athletes ages 7 to 12 (participation in Active Start prior to registering in FUNdamentals is NOT required). This program transitions from basic movement skills to basic sports skills while maintaining an atmosphere of fun and meaningful interaction. This program also promotes specific sports education, proper nutrition, and social inclusion through participation in positive sports experiences.

Skills Developed through the FUNdamentals Program Are:

Development

of Physical Literacy Skills
Improved

Fundamental Motor Skills
Participation

in a Structured Physical Activity
Increased Understanding

of Game Structure

A collage image of two separate photos. The photo on the left shows a little girl crawling underneath a small obstacle course made of colourful pylons and sticks. The photo on the right shows a little boy hitting a ball with a baseball bat. It is an action shot photo.

A collage image of two separate photos. The photo on the left shows a colourful parachute with children sitting in it. The instructors around them are holding the parachute up and looking at the camera. The photo on the right shows a little girl holding a cupcake and posing with the instructor. They are both smiling for the camera.

Active Start and FUNdamentals Communities

Active Start and FUNdamentals are currently offered in Estevan, Moose Jaw, Regina, Saskatoon, and Swift Current.

If you are interested in bringing Active Start and FUNdamentals to your community, connect with us today!

Active Start and FUNdamentals Resources: