Athlete Leadership Programs Training

Special Olympics ALPs Training monitors Athlete Leadership Program initiatives in the field as well as athlete input relating to roles that they would like to play in the organization. 

ALPs Programming

ALPs programs allow athletes to develop leadership skills progressively. For more information on specific ALPs initiatives, visit the links below:

• Athletes on Boards of Directors

• Athletes as Coaches

• Athletes as Officials

• Global Messengers

As new initiatives are reported that demonstrate promise for standardization and strong athlete interest, curricula are developed so that other Special Olympics Programs can replicate those initiatives begun elsewhere in the field. ALPs programs already standardized and available are:

Introduction to ALPs — An overview of the philosophy of athlete empowerment and inclusion in all aspects of the Special Olympics movement as well as a review of current ALPs Initiatives and goals.

Global Messenger Beginner Course — Training and presentation skills for athletes interested in representing Special Olympics and Special Olympics athletes in formal or support settings. To customize your own Global Messenger Workshop, please use the Global Messenger Workshop Planner.

Global Messenger Graduate Course — Follow-up training to the Beginner Course that works on refining public speaking skills, focusing speeches to get the desired action by the audience and preparation for various media/presentation situations one encounters as a public speaker for Special Olympics.

Athlete Leadership Workshop (Governance) — Prepares athletes to participate in Special Olympics programming and policy dialogue via instruction and practice in forming and articulating opinions, group discussion and techniques for gathering input. Enhances awareness and listening skills of volunteers, staff and family members as they interact with athletes during this training.

Leadership 101 Workshop — Leadership requires a personal vision, the ability to communicate that vision and instill a sense of trust among others who you would have help you fulfill your vision. Helps athletes and volunteers work together to discover their personal vision and test their communication and trust building skills in integrated teams.

Athlete Congress — Provides a formal, deliberative process for the representation of athlete input in Special Olympics programming, policy and/or governance processes.

Athletes as Coaches — Provides background and practical experience on the role of the Head Coach and Assistant Coach in targeted sports. Can either be a lead-up to participation in regular coaches education workshops or an inclusive workshop which, after a practicum, can qualify attendees for Special Olympics Coaches' Certification.

Athletes as Officials — Provides athletes with readiness training for participation in National Governing Body programs that results in certification as an official or other skilled personnel for Special Olympics and other community sports competitions.

Athletes on Boards, Committees and Management Teams — Provides guidance for athletes/support persons/ Boards of Directors and committees that seek inclusive decision-making through athlete participation on the Board.

Athletes as Volunteers — Provides athletes with a basic understanding of what types of jobs volunteers do, why people volunteer, why they as athletes might want to volunteer and what to expect as they register and complete training as a volunteer.

Athletes Assisting with Fundraising — Helps athletes understand the process of research and preparation that goes into a fundraising program and then what to expect if they are asked to be part of a fundraising meeting with potential contributors.

Analyzing Financial Statements — As more athletes join Boards of Directors, they need to understand the financial reports commonly presented to the Board. Helps athletes and mentors identify trouble spots on a financial report and know when to ask a question about what they see.

Athletes in the Media — Prepares athletes for the experience of being interviewed by television, radio or print media reporters.

Designed to be experiential, this workshop gives athletes the opportunity to see and hear what they look and sound like and to adjust for future media interviews. Also covered here is how to produce your own cable access TV show. Contact Information Dave Lenox, Vice President, Sports & Competition, +1 (202) 628-3630 or dlenox@specialolympics.org