Special Olympics Colorado Trunk or Treat
Special Olympics Colorado (SOCO) is gearing up to host its annual Trunk or Treat event from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on October 25th at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. Join us for the most inclusive Halloween event of the season where kiddos (and their adults) can come in costume, visit decorated vehicles, play games and earn prizes all while raising funds and awareness for Special Olympics Colorado’s Young Athletes programming. Glow boxes, prize drawings and pizza are also available for purchase.
Special Olympics Young Athletes is an early childhood play program for children with and without intellectual disabilities ages 2 to 7 years old. Young Athletes introduces basic sport skills, like running, kicking and throwing. Young Athletes offers families, teachers, caregivers and people from the community the chance to share the joy of sports with all children.
Young Athletes provides children of all abilities the same opportunities to advance in core developmental milestones. Children learn how to play with others and develop important skills for learning. Children also learn to share, take turns and follow directions. These skills help children in family, community and school activities.
Young Athletes is a fun way for children to stay active and establish healthy habits for the future. It is important to teach children healthy habits while they are young. This can set the stage for a life of physical activity, friendships and learning. Young Athletes is easy to do and fun for all.
Some highlights of the program include the development of:
- Motor skills. Children with intellectual disabilities who took part in Young Athletes developed motor skills more than twice as fast as others who did not take part.
- Social, emotional and learning skills. Parents and teachers of children who took part in the Young Athletes curriculum said the children learned skills that they will use in pre-primary school.
- Expectations. Family members say that Young Athletes raised their hopes for their child’s future.
- Sport readiness. Young Athletes helps children get ready to take part in sports when they are older.
- Acceptance. Inclusive play helps children without a disability to better understand and accept others.
Currently, registration is open for winter sports, including skiing and basketball and all athletes participate free of charge. Each season SOCO also hosts many “Learn to Play” clinics that are offered across the state in a variety of sports.
As the Samantha Gilbert and John Larchick, parents of a Young Athlete, state, “The biggest thing Young Athletes has given all of us is a sense of belonging. A sense of camaraderie. And even sometimes a sense of relief. Being surrounded by people who not only understand, but also support is such a blessing.”
To attend the Trunk or Treat, register as an Athlete or learn more about the Young Athlete program visit www.SpecialOlympicsCO.org.
Trunk or Treat Details:
Date: October 25
Location: Dick’s Sporting Goods Park
Time: 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.