Athlete Leadership Program
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Through sports training and competitions, Special Olympics helps people with intellectual disabilities achieve joy, acceptance and success. They gain the confidence that comes with achievement. They feel empowered. Our Athlete Leadership Programs can take athletes even farther -- as leaders and spokes people respected in their communities.
Special Olympics Athlete Leadership Programs allow athletes to explore opportunities for greater participation in our movement beyond sports training and competition: as coaches, officials, team captains, spokespeople and board and committee members. These roles give athletes a voice in shaping the Special Olympics movement, and a chance to spread the word about the transformations Special Olympics can bring to individuals and families. The Athlete Leadership Programs also provides a way for athletes to showcase talents and interests that may have gone unnoticed. |
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Area and Global Messengers:
Area and global messengers are leaders who communicate powerful declarations of the hope, acceptance, dignity and courage of Special Olympics athletes around the state. They help spread the message and vision of the Movement as well as the benefits they have gained by participating in Special Olympics. Messengers are instrumental in developing future partnerships for Special Olympics Arkansas as they speak to prospective partners and present about our overall program and initiatives. Messengers currently commit to a 2 year position and meet at least 3 times a year for professional development training such as: speech writing, interviewing skills, and presentation skills.
Athlete Input Council:
The AIC is a forum for athletes to report to other athletes and program leaders what is happening in their areas, voice their opinions about important issues, and gain leadership training and experience. Each area should have representatives that sit on the council for a two-year term. The AIC participates in event surveys and program feedback year-round.
Athlete Health Messenger:
A Health Messenger is a Special Olympics athlete who has been trained to serve as a health and wellness leader, educator, advocate and role model within their Special Olympics community or the community at large.
Area and global messengers are leaders who communicate powerful declarations of the hope, acceptance, dignity and courage of Special Olympics athletes around the state. They help spread the message and vision of the Movement as well as the benefits they have gained by participating in Special Olympics. Messengers are instrumental in developing future partnerships for Special Olympics Arkansas as they speak to prospective partners and present about our overall program and initiatives. Messengers currently commit to a 2 year position and meet at least 3 times a year for professional development training such as: speech writing, interviewing skills, and presentation skills.
Athlete Input Council:
The AIC is a forum for athletes to report to other athletes and program leaders what is happening in their areas, voice their opinions about important issues, and gain leadership training and experience. Each area should have representatives that sit on the council for a two-year term. The AIC participates in event surveys and program feedback year-round.
Athlete Health Messenger:
A Health Messenger is a Special Olympics athlete who has been trained to serve as a health and wellness leader, educator, advocate and role model within their Special Olympics community or the community at large.