Through Young Athletes™, volunteers introduce young children, ages 2-7, to the world of sports, with the goal of preparing them for Special Olympics sports training and competition when they get older. The program focuses on the basics that are crucial to cognitive development: physical activities that develop motor skills and hand-eye coordination, and the application of these physical skills through sports programs. The program also provides a unique bridge for the families of the athletes to the Special Olympics community and to other families in similar situations.