Olympic dreams for all: New partnership offers events for all abilities

Once a week, kids of all abilities are coming together to play, be active and learn simple skills.

It’s part of a partnership between Special Olympics South Dakota and New Directions Down Syndrome Association to host a program called Young Athletes.

Nadene Fishback, the volunteer activities director for New Directions Down Syndrome Association, said the goal is to help facilitate learning skills for sports.

“At our weekly meetings, we break down the basics of how to move your body,” she said. “We work on throwing, catching, kicking and all sorts of new skills.”

Fishback said her toddler lives with Down syndrome, which led her to connect with New Directions about a year ago.

“Our program also gives parents a good chance to connect,” she said. “It is so helpful for parents and siblings to meet other kids with assisted devices, or kids to make friends also with walkers. Parents can connect and help learn from each other as they care for their children with different abilities.”

Johna Thum, the vice president and special events director of Special Olympics, said the program is a relaunch.

“Previously, we did a Strider Bikes program and partnered with Parks and Rec’s services,” Thum said. “The Young Athletes program that we’re doing now is more play-based plus sports skills.”

The six-week Young Athletes program filled to capacity quickly this summer, Fishback said. The group meets on Tuesdays in the Special Olympics gym to work on sports skills.

“We geared our meetings for children with and without intellectual abilities,” she said. “We want to accommodate the abilities of everyone who comes.”

Fishback said the play-based program has activities for nonambulatory kids, obstacle courses, catching activities and many other pre-sports skills.

“I am hopeful it will grow a love of physical activity in these kids,” Fishback said. “It’s beneficial in so many ways and helps stave off depression too.”

Thum said partnering with New Directions and Fishback has been very effective.

“Nadene had a lot of connections, and she could help spread the word,” Thum said. “Special Olympics had the equipment and the space.”

Thum explained that they invite “unified partners,” the friends and siblings of children without disabilities to their events too.

“It’s these youngsters who will lead the world and open more doors for those who live with disabilities,” she said. “Our unified partners play and demonstrate; they’re my little assistants.”

Thum said the program is beneficial for parents who get to network at the Young Athletes programming.

“It can be scary and lonely sometimes when you’re a parent who is told they might have a kiddo with a disability. We had no expectations about how many people would sign up, and we’ve had over 20 sign up.”

Thum said working at Special Olympics events is a great opportunity for volunteers, especially for younger people who are entering a similar field.

“Special Olympics loves to give good recommendations for students applying for advanced degrees,” she said. “It’s a great way to volunteer if you’re studying teaching, physical therapy or something similar.”

More Young Athletes events will occur beginning in October, with info to participate here.

“We’re ready to give this community whatever they need,” Thum said. “And I fully expect and hope our Young Athletes program to live on for a long time.”