Athlete Leadership

Become a Leader Today!

Through sports training and competitions, Special Olympics helps people with intellectual disabilities (ID) achieve joy, acceptance, and success. They gain the confidence that comes with achievement. They feel empowered. Athletes lead the way as the voices of the movement, taking on meaningful roles in their communities and educating the world about the potential of people with ID. These athletes drive the Special Olympics movement forward with their insights and contributions and are shining examples of what it means to be a leader.

Athlete Leadership Academy

What is it?
If we want a more inclusive organization and accepting world, Special Olympics athletes must be allowed to contribute in ways beyond the sports field. One of the most powerful ways we do this is through Athlete Leadership, which creates opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities to develop and demonstrate their abilities in leadership roles. Athlete Leadership partners with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (Special Olympics athlete leaders) to ensure they are set up to succeed in meaningful leadership roles. This is done by providing training in knowledge and skills, practical experience in roles of responsibility, and working with leaders without IDD to develop inclusive environments.

3 Guiding Principles:
These principles provide strategic direction and outline what components are necessary to ensure athletes are “leading the way.”

Principle 1
The first principle is Education and Awareness Building by utilizing the Unified Leadership approach to developing leaders. Building from sport, Unified Leadership teaches leaders (both those with AND without ID) that we all have a responsibility to develop diverse leaders.

Principle 2
All non-Special Olympics athletes must acknowledge that athletes have a choice in how and where they lead in Special Olympics. This is their program, and staff and volunteers are here to support them. But to succeed, they need to be trained in the areas they choose to pursue.

Principle 3
Special Olympics athletes hold the power to change the world through sport; that’s the founding principle. Athlete Leadership teaches our athletes to gain the knowledge and confidence to lead programmatic work. This is their organization—we’re here to support them.

Tier I – Understanding Leadership

A two-part module that will be self-led and supported via weekly Zoom calls with SOLA Staff members. 8-week commitment.

MODULE 1: Athletes learn about Athlete Leadership and begin to explore their skills and interest

MODULE 2: This module takes you through the next step of discovering who you are as a leader and recognizing the value you bring as you continue your leadership journey.

Tier II – Advanced Leadership Modules

A five-part module that builds on the basic skills covered in the Understanding Leadership Module. Understanding Emotions, Engaging with Others, Managing Time, Leading Discussions, and Unified Leadership. It will be self-led and supported via weekly Zoom calls with Special Olympics Louisiana Staff members. 15 week commitment.

Tier III – Special Olympics Louisiana Leadership Role

These modules are designed to provide athletes with an overview of what to expect if they served in one of these leadership roles. They can choose from Athlete Representative, Event Leader, Health Messenger, Sports Leader, Athlete Spokesperson and Facilitator.

Athlete-Partner Advisory Council

ATHLETE-PARTNER ADVISORY COUNCIL

What is the Athlete-Partner Advisory Council?
The Athlete-Partner Advisory Committee (APAC) is a forum for athletes and partners to explore and discuss issues that affect their athletic experience on a day-to-day basis. This council broadens the involvement of athletes and partners in athletic competitions and community events. The APAC encourages a sense of unity, common purpose, and camaraderie in all sports and among all athletes and partners, and allows for input to be made on the rules, regulations, and policies that affect the lives of athletes and partners within SOLA.

Mission Statement:
The mission of the Athlete-Partner Advisory Council is to enhance the total athlete and partner experience by promoting opportunity, protecting athlete and partner well-being and safety, and fostering a positive image in the community.

What’s next for APAC?
As a new venture within Special Olympics Louisiana, APAC’s next steps will involve assigning members to the council to help strengthen the partnership between SOLA and our athletes.

The Function of APAC:

Promote communication between SOLA administration, athletes, and partners
Provide feedback and insight into issues
Generate athlete and partner voice within SOLA during its formulation of policies
Build a sense of community
Solicit athlete and partner responses to proposed program changes
Organize community outreach efforts
Promote a positive athlete and partner image at SOLA events and within the community

Membership:

Athletes and partners are invited to the council by the SOLA administration
All members must have completed or have the plan to complete levels 1-3 of the Athlete Leadership Academy courses
One- and Two-year terms (staggered)
Quarterly meetings (with at least 1 being in person)
9-12 athlete reps; 3-4 partner reps (odd number of members)
18 years of age and older; active participant with SOLA
SOLA staff: President/CEO, VP Programs, VP D&M
Leadership: Council will elect a Chair and Vice-Chair

Health Messengers - Louisiana

Health Messengers are Special Olympics athletes who have been trained to serve as a health and wellness leaders, educators, advocates and role models within their communities.

Global Messengers

The Sargent Shriver Global Messenger program, part of our Athlete Leadership Programs, offers presentation and public speaking training to athletes interested in taking on spokesperson roles. The special athletes who take part become the voice of Special Olympics Louisiana, delivering messages of hope, acceptance, dignity and courage that only athletes can effectively relate.

Special Olympics Louisiana
Athlete-Partner Advisory Council

The Athlete-Partner Advisory Committee (APAC) is a forum for athletes and partners to explore and discuss issues that
affect their athletic experience on a day-to-day basis. This council broadens the involvement of athletes and partners in
athletic competitions and community events. The APAC encourages a sense of unity, common purpose, and camaraderie in all sports and among all athletes and partners, and allows for input to be made on the rules, regulations, and policies that affect the lives of athletes and partners within SOLA.