• Fitness
• Various Recreational Activities

• Meets ADA standards
• Accessible areas of building: Locker Rooms; Shower Facilities; Parking Area; Front Desk/Reception Area

• Staff Training: Kinesiology/Physical Education/Exercise Science; Adapted Phys Ed/Therapeutic Rec

• Age range of participants: 5 to 7

• Accessible by Public Transportation: Yes
  
  
• Transportation Provided by the Program: No

The Special Olympics Kentucky Play Activities Program is for children ages 5-7, with mild or moderate mental disabilities and with some to average physical mobility. A Play Activities Coordinator will lead the children in individual activities and group play sessions utilizing skills they will use in the home, school and community.

The overall goal of the Play Activities Program is to provide a setting in which young children with mental disabilities can experience the physical, social and emotional benefits of play, while preparing for future sports participation by learning about physical fitness, team play and following rules. The play activities can be conducted in a wide variety of locations.

Play means so much to children. It's a way for them to have fun, socialize, exercise, gain self-esteem and improve motor skills. Good play fosters many positive traits in children; a love of imagination and physical activity, a healthy mix of independence and cooperation and the ability to get along with others and learn how to work together.

Play Activities can "open the door" for a Special Child! A door that can lead to a lifetime of achievement and success! Participation in the Play Activities Program will help to prepare a young child physically, socially and emotionally for sports participation. At age 8, the child becomes eligible for participation in the traditional Special Olympics sports program. Special Olympics offers year-round training and competition opportunities for children and adults in 18 different sports. Once eligible, participants can join a local training program and compete at local, area and state level competitions.

A Play Activities Program consists of a 6 week program. At the end of the six weeks the children, family and friends join in the fun along with recognizing the children for their participation in the program.

Programs are offered a various time throughout the year with Bumper Bowling being held in the fall. Play Activities Programs maybe implemented in schools, daycare centers, the home, local gym, or other community facility. All that is needed to conduct a Play Activities Program are a Play Activities Coordinator, volunteers, children and a facility to hold the program.