In the fall of 2025, a colleague and I partnered with DC’s chapter of Special Olympics to bring their “Young Athletes” program to my library. This ready-made, research-based program was a hit in my community, bringing learning, community, and physical activity to early learners both with and without disabilities. To learn more about Special Olympics and how a partnership can benefit libraries, I interviewed Candace Ladd – Director of Youth Initiatives in DC.
About the Youth Initiatives Team
Candace Ladd leads a team that partners with schools throughout Washington, DC, both public and charter schools and colleges, where they share and assist with implementation of the “Unified Schools Initiative.” The initiative consists of three main components: unified sports, leadership, and whole school engagement. Candace shared that the “purpose of this program is to enrich a more equitable environment in schools and colleges.” To support their partners through implementation, Candace and her team take the lead on spreading awareness of stereotypes, peer interactions, and the overall program structure. They also “work closely with school leadership to ensure the whole community is involved.” The team also aims to increase their impact across the district by working with the mayor’s office and other government organizations to promote DC Special Olympics and their community events.
About the Young Athletes Program
When asked about the Young Athletes program, Candace shared that it was started to fill a gap in programming for early learners. “Typical Special Olympics programming starts at age eight,” she stated. The Young Athletes program was created to meet children before they are eight, with a program developed to center “whole child development.” The unified model of this program lays the foundation for the young athletes to develop an understanding of inclusion. The program operates by teaching a very basic introduction to sports – teaching step-by-step how to balance, throw, catch, and more. However, the program can also cultivate other skills in participants such as leadership and unity. Candace shared that she “loves seeing interactions among the little ones. They’re learning how to throw a ball, how to jump, but they’re also learning about how (their) friend might be different…”
When I asked what Candace wanted to share about the Young Athletes program with readers, she had two program highlights in mind. First, “All programming is free.” This includes for those who are implementing the program and those who are participating. Special Olympics provides gym equipment, like a balance beam or balls, free of charge to host locations. The second thing that Candace highlighted was that the curriculum provided for instructors is research-based. It aligns developmentally appropriate skills with team work and cooperation. Her approach to the program is “Just try it out! Some things may work and some may not,” but the flexibility of the program allows for you to regroup and try again.
Benefits of the Program
As mentioned, this program is research driven and curriculum based, so the developmental benefits are endless. However, there are also so many additional social benefits that children get as well, including the ability to engage in play with children of all ability levels. Candace says, “The core of the program and of child development” is this social component. This program offers a safe space for children and their caregivers where all children are included. It shows families that their child doesn’t need anything special, “they just need something different.” Overall, Candace hopes that each family leaves the program knowing that, “Each child matters and is valued.” And that they have fun!
Bringing the Program to Your Library
If you are in the DC area and interested in bringing this program to your library, you can reach out to Candace and her team directly. If you are outside of DC and would like to host this program at your location, you can search for your local Special Olympics on their website. This program has been a hit at my library location, and I know it will be a success at other libraries as well!
Featured image screenshot from Special Olympics website by blogger.
This post addresses ALSC Core Competencies 3.1, 3.2, and 5.6.
Annaliese Melvin (she/they) is a children’s librarian at a neighborhood library in Washington, D.C. Originally from Pennsylvania, she moved to the DC-area in 2020 to become a special education teacher after graduating with her bachelor’s from Arcadia University. In 2023, she graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with a master’s degree in Library and Information Science and transitioned into the library field. Annaliese currently works to bring more inclusive programming to DC Public Libraries for children of all ages. She is passionate about equity, inclusion, reading, and Philadelphia sports.