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.
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.
This council is a forum for athletes to report to program leaders about what is happening in their regions and across the state. Each region should have one representative who sits on the state council for two years.
Purpose of the ALC
- Athletes voice their opinions about important issues.
- Athletes gain leadership training and experience.
- Athletes participate in making important decisions that affect them and Special Olympics Louisiana programs.
- Provide meaningful roles for athletes.
Requirements
- Must have completed Athlete Leadership Course and Health Messenger Training
- 2+ years of Special Olympics experience
- Actively competing in 2+ sports
- Actively participating in at least 1 other aspect of SOLA programming
- 18+ years old
- Access to technology
- Effective communication
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.
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 Leadership Council
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 our movement forward with their insights and contributions.
Council Members Must:
- Be actively involved in Special Olympics Louisiana sports as an athlete, coach or official
- Demonstrate appropriate athlete behavior at all times
- Know their own experience as an athlete and a leader and be able to share it with others
Members have the opportunity to:
- Lead in a wide variety of regional activities
- Bring concerns and issues from their peers to and from the Athlete Input Council
- Effectively act on Special Olympics Louisiana organizational requests and objectives
