|
Athlete Leadership Programs
Special Olympics Athlete Leadership Programs (ALPs) allow athletes
to explore opportunities in roles previously considered
"non-traditional." Such participation might come in
the form of an athlete 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 Athlete Leadership
Programs may be in addition to or in place of participation in
traditional athlete roles.
A program or initiative could be considered an Athlete Leadership
Program if it:
- Allows athletes to choose how they will participate (i.e.,
selecting their sport or deciding to become a coach)
- Encourages athletes to serve in meaningful leadership roles
other than or in addition to that of "competitor"
- Provides training for existing leadership as they welcome and
encourage athletes in these new roles
Athlete Leadership Program Initiatives
Below are some initiatives that Special Olympics Programs around
the world have already instituted.
- Athletes on the State Board of Directors
- Athletes on Games Management Teams
- Global Messengers (spokespersons)
- Athlete Congress or Input Councils
- Athlete sessions at Leadership Conferences
- Athletes as Coaches
- Athletes as Officials
- Athletes as Volunteers
- Athletes as Donors
- Athletes employed by Special Olympics
Special Olympics is about breaking down barriers that others
thought were permanent. Athlete Leadership Programs are about
breaking down our internal barriers that keep athletes from fully
enjoying Special Olympics through self-directed, meaningful
participation in virtually any aspect of the program.
Global Messenger Program
The Global Messenger program is designed to teach Special Olympics
athletes how to speak in public in front of a variety of audiences.
The program pairs a Special Olympics athlete with a speech coach.
Coaches learn how to help the athlete prepare a speech to address
various types of public groups and corporate audiences on a variety of
topics related to Special Olympics.
Participants must possess a willingness to speak in a public forum
and feel comfortable before an audience. The ability to read is
helpful but not mandatory. After completing the training course,
Global Messengers are expected to go out into their community and
speak to service groups, the corporate community and/or other
organizations promoting Special Olympics. For more information,
please contact us at 913-236-9290 or
kso@ksso.org
Looking for a speaker for your next lunch meeting or special event?
Special Olympics Kansas athletes are trained in public speaking.
Please contact usn for more details at 913-236-9290. Or click
here for a list of Global Messengers across Kansas.
|
