In September of 2013, the Early Intervention program, in cooperation with Northampton County Special Olympics, began hosting the Young Athletes program.  In addition to the annual preschool field day, this optional program offers monthly Young Athletes events at the Colonial Early Learning Center in Bethlehem.  Young Athletes is a sport and play program for children ages 2 ½ to 7 years.  The Young Athletes program addresses fundamental skills that may develop motor skills and hand-eye coordination through fun, play-based games and activities.  These activities, including throwing, catching, balancing, kicking, jumping, walking and running are foundational gross motor skills that are also useful for participation in later Special Olympics events in the school-aged program.

The Young Athletes program will be held once a month, from 3:30-4:15 pm, on the following dates: 

September 27 - October 25 - November 29 - January 31

February 28 - April 24

Please note: the date for the March session will be determined as we get closer to that month and will be based on snow makeup days.  Any changes to the Early Intervention calendar may result in changes to the dates for the Young Athletes program. The session in May will be replaced by the annual Family Fun Day at Wind Gap Park on May 30, 2024.  

Transportation is not provided; parents/guardians will need to transport their child to/from the event, and remain waiting on site during the session.  If you would like your child to participate, you must sign up at this link: https://tinyurl.com/YoungAthletes2023 To ensure appropriate staffing, we cannot accept walk-ins on the day of the event.  

Each athlete must have a current Special Olympics registration form to participate in the Young Athletes program.  This form will also be used for other preschool Special Olympics events, including the Family Fun Day in May.  After signing up at the above link, you will be emailed a copy of the Special Olympics registration form to complete and bring with you at your first session. 

If you have any questions about the Young Athletes program, please email 

Rich Kropp, Event Coordinator, at rkropp@ciu20.org or call 610-515-6476.