Special Olympics Youth Sports Program Coming To Salem

SALEM, MA — Special Olympics Massachusetts will host one of its Young Athletes programs in Salem this spring.

The program is open to children ages 2 through 7 years with and without intellectual disabilities. The Young Athletes program will introduce children to basic sports and motor skills such as running, jumping, balancing, kicking, throwing and locomotor movements.

The program will run at Salem's Furlong Park on Franklin Street on Saturday mornings starting May 15. The 9 and 10 a.m. programs are filled, but slots remain for the 11 and 11:45 a.m. programs.

The programs run through June 12.

"Through Young Athletes, children learn how to play with others, learn to share, take turns and follow directions," Special Olympics Massachusetts said. "These skills will help children in family, community and school activities.

"It is important to teach children healthy habits such as exercise, hydration and nutrition 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. Activities can later be done at home, in schools or in the community using the Young Athletes Activity Guide and basic equipment."

Other Young Athletes program sites this spring are Marlboro, Revere and Weston.

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(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)