Athlete Leadership Programs

Special Olympics Athlete Leadership Programs (ALPs) allow athletes to explore opportunities for Special Olympics participation in roles previously considered "non-traditional." Such participation might come in the form of serving on the Board of Directors or local organizing committee; or it might find an athlete as a spokesperson, team captain, coach or official. Participation in ALPs may be in addition to or in place of participation in traditional Special Olympics Programs.

A program or initiative could be considered an ALP if it:

Allows athletes to choose how they will participate; (i.e. selecting their sport or deciding to become a coach), OR

Encourages athletes to serve in meaningful leadership roles other than or in addition to that of "competitor", OR

Provides training for existing Special Olympics leadership as they welcome and encourage athletes in these new roles.

ALPs Training

Special Olympics Incorporated monitors ALPs initiatives in the field as well as athlete input relating to roles that they would like to play in the program.

As new initiatives are reported that show strong athlete interest and promise for standardization, curricula are developed so that other Special Olympics Programs can replicate those initiatives.

ALPs Programs already standardized and available are:

Global Messenger Beginner Course
Provides training and presentation skills for athletes interested in representing Special Olympics and Special Olympics athletes in formal or support settings.

Global Messenger Graduate Course
Follow-up training to the Beginner Course works on refining public speaking skills, focusing speeches to get the desired action by the audience, and preparation for various media and presentation situations one encounters as a public speaker for Special Olympics.

Athlete Leadership Workshop (Governance)
Prepares athletes and other Program leadership to participate in Special Olympics programming and policy dialogue via instruction and practice in forming and articulating opinions, group discussion and techniques for gathering input. Equally important is the enhancement of awareness and listening skills of volunteers, staff and family members as they interact with athletes as peers during this training.

Athlete Leadership Workshop (Experiential)
Prepares athletes and other Program leadership to explain and encourage ALPs initiatives. Workshop participants experience various ALPs roles and explore the motivation and requirements for each. The resulting corps of athletes, volunteers and staff are then charged with promoting the ALPs mind set as well as the programs that bring these opportunities to more athletes.

Athlete Congress
Provides a formal, deliberative process for the representation of athlete input in programming, policy and/or governance processes of Special Olympics.

Special Olympics Officials Programs for Athletes (SOOPA)
Provides athletes with readiness training for participation in National Governing Body programs that result in certification as an official or other skilled personnel at Special Olympics and other community sports competitions.

Athlete Boardsmanship
To provide guidance for athletes/support persons/Boards of Directors that seek inclusive decision-making through athlete participation on the board.