By Cheryl Lu

Special Olympics program hopes to empower P.A. youth with intellectual disabilities

Nov 13, 2016 | 7:46 AM

A program hopes to give Prince Albert and area children with intellectual abilities a boost in gym class.

The 12-week-program Youth and Family Program, offered by Special Olympics Saskatchewan, focuses on ways to engage children with sports and boost their athletic skills such as balance and spatial awareness.

Janet McCabe, acting assistant dean of the University of Saskatchewan’s P.A. and northern nursing campuses, said it’s “essential” to get kids into physical activity at a young age.

“It sets up lifelong habits for healthy living and it positions sport and physical activity as something that is fun and engaging and supportive,” she said. “That puts kids on a good start.”

According to McCabe, the program is designed for youth in rural areas and smaller scale cities, since research indicated there weren’t enough opportunities in those areas for children.

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McCabe said she loves working for the program.

“It’s a great opportunity to be involved in the community.” She said. “It’s just fun to see them be physically active and engaged and running around the gymnasium with big smiles on their face. There’s nothing better. ”

The program is split into younger and older participants, though currently they’re working as one group due to a lack of older children.

Parents can bring their children to the program at the Arthur Pechey School Thursday evenings beginning at 6:25 p.m.

It costs $20 for the whole 12 weeks.

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