With the pandemic impacting the use of sport for collaborations and community building, Queen’s varsity athletes are launching a series of videos to support local youth with autism spectrum disorder and their families.

Through the Autism Mentorship Program (AMP), a not-for-profit organization founded at Queen’s, Athletics and Recreation and its Varsity Leadership Council have launched Learn to Play to promote healthy lifestyles, connections, and teamwork.

The AMP pairs youth on the autism spectrum with post-secondary student-athletes in the local community. Three times a week, new videos will be released that feature a Queen’s varsity student-athlete explaining and performing exercises, skills, drills, or activities related to their sport.

The 30-episode series will allow students and community members to bring varsity student-athletes virtually into their homes, on their screens, teaching them accessible and fun exercises and drills.

“AMP’s mandate is to provide a resource for youth on the autism spectrum and their families, while leveraging the strengths of student-athletes,” says Joshua Mosley, Masters student in Philosophy, Kingston Director for AMP and a member of the Gael’s Football Team. “We’re hoping that our series of videos can serve as a helpful resource to any families or organizations looking for guidance in leading a healthy and active lifestyle amidst the pandemic.”

The videos will be posted to the AMP website, Facebook page, and YouTube channel. For more information, visit the AMP website.