From Left to Right: Coach Priscilla S., Angelo G., Justin C., Victoria S., Jason, Miles W., Max V., Coach Reyhanak S. Photo courtesy PCDA

On Saturday, June 7, 2014, young athletes from Professional Child Development Associates (PCDA) participated in a Young Athletesâ„¢ Program (YAP) demonstration at Special Olympics’ 45th Annual Summer Games Invitational at the University of Southern California.

Special Olympics’ Young Athletesâ„¢ Program is a sports play program adopted by PCDA for young children, 2-7 years, with cognitive and developmental challenges. Using the DIR/Floortimeâ„¢ model, fun activities and games are designed to teach fundamental skills that introduce young athletes to sports and the world of Special Olympics. The non-competitive, sports play environment allows for children of all abilities to develop skills important to mental and physical growth. For more information about the Pasadena Young Athletes Program located at PCDA, visit www.pcdateam.org.