UNION, N.J. (4/13/11) – The Kean University Department of Athletics recently assisted with the Special Olympics New Jersey Young Athletes Program (YAP) in conjunction with the University's Department of Occupational Therapy on Sunday, April 10, at Harwood Arena.

The 30 members spanning six athletic teams and the athletic trainers assisted in introducing children with intellectual disabilities to the world of sports. The Young Athlete Program is designed for children ages two and a half through seven years old and serves as the foundation for play, fun and future participation in the regular Special Olympics program for people ages eight and older. 

Junior football player James Pratt caught the first pitch from one of the young athletes to start the games and then the student-athletes and athletic trainers helped assist the young athletes and their families to navigate eight sports activities targeting specific basic gross motor and visual-perceptual motor skills necessary as a foundation for the child's main occupation – play.