Sports Leader
Special Olympics is committed to providing high quality athletic and sports experiences to persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Athletes who have participated in Special Olympics training and competition provide a unique perspective to their peers who are competing and developing their athletic abilities and looking to improve their knowledge and performance in a particular sport.
Sport Leaders are experienced Special Olympics athletes that are trained as coaches, officials and other sport leadership roles. They hold a major role in supporting athletes as they achieve their maximum potential.
Sport Leaders are experienced Special Olympics athletes that are trained as coaches, officials and other sport leadership roles. They hold a major role in supporting athletes as they achieve their maximum potential.
Sport Leader
Fitness Captains are athletes who work closely with their coaches to help ensure health and fitness is a key component of the sports experience. A focus on fitness through the lens of sport can help drive positive daily choices that support sports performance, injury prevention and improvement in overall health and wellbeing.
Special Olympics International defines four different stages of the coaching pathway. Each level has different responsibilities and duties to build on the previous level. It takes training, experience, and practice to master each level before you advance to the next level. Here you will find training materials to for Level 1 – Sport Assistant.
Guide to Athlete Leader Engagement in Competitions (PDF)
Athletes are trained in many leadership roles that can lead to meaningful involvement in the planning, execution, and evaluation of Special Olympics competitions.