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Athlete Leadership Program
Athlete Leadership Programs (ALPs) allow Special Olympics athletes to help shape the future of the Special Olympics movement and ensure all people with intellectual disabilities have the opportunity to participate in sports training and competition that is fun and fair. If you'd like to participate, please complete the Special Olympics Arizona's Athlete Leadership Program Interest Form.
Some ALPs roles include:
- Serving on a local Games or organizing committee
- Serving as a spokesperson (Global Messenger)
- Serving as a team / sport captain
- Becoming a certified coach or official
- Serving on SOAZ Board of Directors or LETR Council
- Serving as a Unified Sports Messenger
Athletes as Officials
Special Olympics Officials Program for Athletes (SOOPA) creates opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities to become sports officials. Special Olympics athletes are held to the same standards as any other official performing the same task. The athlete must complete the officials' certification curriculum as created by the sports National Governing Body and Special Olympics, Inc. Each sport may have separate and specific requirements. For more information please contact Nadine Armstrong, Director of Sports and Training.
Athletes as Coaches
Special Olympics athletes can become certified coaches and coach other Special Olympics athletes. Athletes may choose a sport they have participated in or are just interested in coaching. As with all Special Olympics coaches, these athletes are encouraged to attend a Special Olympics, Inc. coach training school in the particular sport they would coach. Special Olympics athletes who are coaches may train athletes within their community or may assist athletes at higher levels of competition such as invitationals or state-level competitions. For more information please contact Tracy Roberts, Unified Sports® & Young Athletes Program Manager.
Sargent Shriver Global Messenger Program
Through the Global Messenger Program, athletes are trained to be spokespersons for Special Olympics. Global Messengers are ambassadors for the organization and can recruit potential athletes, volunteers and sponsors through public presentations. For more information please contact Nadine Armstrong, Director of Sports and Training.
Athlete Council
The Special Olympics Arizona Council is comprised of athletes from every area of the state who meet quarterly to give input to the president of Special Olympics Arizona on issues in the movement.
Unified Sports® Messenger Program
Athletes and partners are not just a team on the field! In this program, they are paired together and receive leadership training to become public advocates for Unified Sports® and Special Olympics Arizona. After the training, the pairs speak at schools, meet with sponsors and represent Unified Sports® at other Special Olympics events. For more information please visit the Unified Sports® section of this website, or contact Tracy Roberts, Unified Sports® & Young Athletes Program Manager.
Athletes as SOAZ Board of Directors or LETR Council members
Athletes may serve as Board members or LETR Council members for a term of one year. Athletes are required to attend monthly meetings that last from 3-4 hours and give input when appropriate. Special Olympics athletes must submit a letter of interest and a resume of Special Olympics experience and work / life experience to Lori Ramsey, Special Olympics Arizona Executive Assistant.
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