Special Olympics Arkansas Under Unified Leadership
It’s no surprise that athlete Sharon Johnson plays a vital role on the Special Olympics Arkansas Board of Directors. Her tenure on the Board of Directors began in 2021 as an Athlete Representative, but this year her role has changed. Beginning in January 2024, Sharon is the new Special Olympics Arkansas Board of Directors Secretary! Sharon is actively involved in the Athlete Leadership Program and is designated as a Fitness Captain and Health Messenger. As an athlete leader, she has participated in leadership education and training that has equipped her for foundational roles within SOAR’s program. In addition to ALPs and the Board of Directors, she also is a member of her Games Management Team with her local program.
Sharon says, “It is an honor to represent Special Olympics Arkansas athletes in my new position as Secretary, and I will try my best to continue to pave the way for people with intellectual disabilities.”
In addition to Sharon’s new role, Amy Price has also joined the Board of Directors in the capacity of Athlete Representative. Amy has been a Special Olympics Arkansas athlete for over 20 years! She has participated in multiple USA Games and most recently 2023 Special Olympics World Games Berlin. Also on her Special Olympics resume: Athlete Leadership Program, Health Messenger, Fitness Captain, and participant during Law Enforcement Torch Run Relay.
“We are excited to have Sharon and Amy on the Board of Directors. They both are a valuable addition, and our Board Members are honored to serve alongside them. Special Olympics Arkansas is a program that empowers people with intellectual disabilities, and it is important that they participate in leadership roles that allow them to continue to advocate for other athletes and themselves. We are thrilled to be able to create a more inclusive environment within the Special Olympics Arkansas Board of Directors,” Ross Ridout, Special Olympics Arkansas Board Chairman
Building from sport, Unified Leadership teaches leaders without disabilities to value and learn from people with intellectual disabilities to make changes and create environments where people with intellectual disabilities get opportunities to have meaningful jobs and roles. The Unified Leadership approach helps people without disabilities to turn from unconscious bias to conscious inclusion, changing their attitudes and behaviors to create meaningful inclusion in their teams, organizations, families, and communities.
With athletes in leadership roles throughout the program, Arkansas is creating pivotal change for people with intellectual disabilities.
Sharon says, “It is an honor to represent Special Olympics Arkansas athletes in my new position as Secretary, and I will try my best to continue to pave the way for people with intellectual disabilities.”
In addition to Sharon’s new role, Amy Price has also joined the Board of Directors in the capacity of Athlete Representative. Amy has been a Special Olympics Arkansas athlete for over 20 years! She has participated in multiple USA Games and most recently 2023 Special Olympics World Games Berlin. Also on her Special Olympics resume: Athlete Leadership Program, Health Messenger, Fitness Captain, and participant during Law Enforcement Torch Run Relay.
“We are excited to have Sharon and Amy on the Board of Directors. They both are a valuable addition, and our Board Members are honored to serve alongside them. Special Olympics Arkansas is a program that empowers people with intellectual disabilities, and it is important that they participate in leadership roles that allow them to continue to advocate for other athletes and themselves. We are thrilled to be able to create a more inclusive environment within the Special Olympics Arkansas Board of Directors,” Ross Ridout, Special Olympics Arkansas Board Chairman
Building from sport, Unified Leadership teaches leaders without disabilities to value and learn from people with intellectual disabilities to make changes and create environments where people with intellectual disabilities get opportunities to have meaningful jobs and roles. The Unified Leadership approach helps people without disabilities to turn from unconscious bias to conscious inclusion, changing their attitudes and behaviors to create meaningful inclusion in their teams, organizations, families, and communities.
With athletes in leadership roles throughout the program, Arkansas is creating pivotal change for people with intellectual disabilities.
Published June 2024