In the fall of 2025, a colleague and I partnered with DC\u2019s chapter of Special Olympics to bring their \u201cYoung Athletes\u201d 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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 \u201cUnified Schools Initiative.\u201d The initiative consists of three main components: unified sports, leadership, and whole school engagement. Candace shared that the \u201cpurpose of this program is to enrich a more equitable environment in schools and colleges.\u201d 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 \u201cwork closely with school leadership to ensure the whole community is involved.\u201d The team also aims to increase their impact across the district by working with the mayor\u2019s office and other government organizations to promote DC Special Olympics and their community events. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When asked about the Young Athletes program, Candace shared that it was started to fill a gap in programming for early learners. \u201cTypical Special Olympics programming starts at age eight,\u201d she stated. The Young Athletes program was created to meet children before they are eight, with a program developed to center \u201cwhole child development.\u201d 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 \u201cloves seeing interactions among the little ones. They\u2019re learning how to throw a ball, how to jump, but they\u2019re also learning about how (their) friend might be different\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When I asked what Candace wanted to share about the Young Athletes program with readers, she had two program highlights in mind. First, \u201cAll programming is free.\u201d 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 \u201cJust try it out! Some things may work and some may not,\u201d but the flexibility of the program allows for you to regroup and try again. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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, \u201cThe core of the program and of child development\u201d 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\u2019t need anything special, \u201cthey just need something different.\u201d Overall, Candace hopes that each family leaves the program knowing that, \u201cEach child matters and is valued.\u201d And that they have fun!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a>. This program has been a hit at my library location, and I know it will be a success at other libraries as well!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Featured image screenshot from Special Olympics website<\/a> by blogger. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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