Athlete Leadership
In Special Olympics Athlete Leadership, we partner with athlete leaders to educate people about the abilities of our athletes, provide leadership and skills training to enable athletes to be successful and support them in leadership roles inside and outside the movement.
Goals of Athlete Leadership
- Allow athletes to determine how and in what roles they will participate in Special Olympics.
- Provide our athletes with the training and certification, where appropriate, to properly prepare them for success.
- Include athletes in meaningful positions of influence and leadership throughout the organization to help determine policy and set direction.
- Provide training and education for existing leadership as we welcome and encourage athletes in their new roles.
- Recognize athletes’ ability to contribute in these roles in a meaningful way by holding them accountable to all Special Olympics Wisconsin policies, rules, and standards.
Benefits
- Improve self-confidence
- Prepare athletes for jobs
- Prepare athletes to live on their own
- Increase ability to make personal decisions
- Improve friendships and family relationships
Athletes involved in Athlete leadership may serve as:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Member of the Congress or Input Councils
- Employed by Special Olympics
- Coaches and Officials
- Donors
- Newsletter/website Contributors
- Local, Regional or State Committees and Management Teams
- Mentors to Other Athletes
- Global Messengers (Speakers Bureau)
Athlete Leadership
“Once you become an athlete, you start gaining a sense of voice. And once you become an athlete leader, you’re a voice for the voiceless.” Brittany, Athlete Leader
Interested in Becoming an Athlete Leader?
