Young Athletes program gets high fives

The Linton family, from left, Erin; Kaden, 5; Jeff; and Kaden’s twin sister, Kennedy, play a scarf toss game Thursday at J.D. Zellerbach Elementary School in Camas. A new Youth Athletes program run by Special Olympics Washington aims to engage children younger than 8. At top, Sam Hensley, 5, with teacher’s assistant Tina Damon, is thrilled with the gold medal he was awarded after a Young Athletes event. (Photos by Steven Lane/The Columbian)

Micah Greenhill, 5, with help from his mom, Aundrea Greenhill, and Bruce Haack, Camas schools occupational therapist, participates in a Young Athletes exercise at J.D. Zellerbach Elementary School on Thursday. (STEVEN LANE/The Columbian)

Sam Hensley, 5, with teacher’s assistant Tina Damon, is thrilled by the gold medal he was awarded after a Young Athletes event Thursday at J.D. Zellerbach Elementary School in Camas. (The Columbian/Steven Lane)

Hayes Freedom High School student volunteers lead preschool and kindergarten students in a warm-up “Head, shoulders, knees and toes” drill before a Young Athletes event at J.D. Zellerbach Elementary School. (Steven Lane/The Columbian)

CAMAS —Kennedy Linton, 5, took careful aim, then pitched a ball through a hoop in the J.D. Zellerbach Elementary School gym, tossing it underhand.

Her brother, Kaden, stepped up and nailed the throw, too — but in his own fashion, overhand.

So it goes for the bubbly, blond twins.

"She helps him, shows him how to do things," explained mom Erin Linton, cheering on the pair and snapping photos. "She's his best playmate and like his therapist, too."

Their teamwork — Kaden is in JDZ's small prekindergarten program for autistic children — captured the spirit of Thursday's rousing play date with a purpose.

Leaders of Special Olympics Washington brought a series of games to entertain all 294 Zellerbach students. The group's pitch: a new Young Athletes program aimed at children ages 2 to 7, too young to participate in formal Special Olympics events, and at those who normally never would.

Young Athletes lets children with intellectual disabilities run, jump, balance, throw, catch, swing and twirl with abandon. It welcomes all other kids, too.

Plastic hoops and hurdles, rubber balls and cones and other props provide the means.

Besides helping to hone motor skills, the games are a big confidence booster. Children see hurdles for what they are, and not some permanent barrier. Bonds are built, and perceptions shift.

"It gives them some exposure to athletic events in a cooperative manner," said Bruce Haack, occupational therapist for Camas schools. "It helps plant the seed to these kids to be more involved in Special Olympics, and even the parents," he said.

Young Athletes leaders toured eight Washington grade schools and entertained about 650 students last year. This year, JDZ is among 25 to 30 planned stops that should reach 3,000 more students.

"Parents have thanked us everywhere we've gone," said Bill Southern, Special Olympics Washington outreach director. He leaves behind some play equipment and curriculum to allow schools to partner and host future events.

Haack said JDZ and perhaps other Camas schools will follow suit.

On Thursday, several Hayes Freedom High School students joined JDZ teachers to guide 10 activities inside the gym. Big smiles, happy skips and cheers carried the day. JDZ students took an Olympics-style opening lap and later received a gold medal and snack treat.

"Hey, high-five! Good job, Kaden," Erin Linton said after Kaden finished a soccer dribble drill.

The gold medal joins a lone soccer trophy at the home of Sam Hensley, 5, another autistic preschooler who attacked the games with zeal.

But Sam has shattered previous barriers to win treasure, he said: "Broken boards I hit with my hands and feet, and some karate belts."

Sounds like a natural Young Athlete.