Athlete Leadership exists to empower athletes to develop leadership skills and utilize their voices to assume meaningful leadership roles, influence change in the Special Olympics movement, and educate communities around the world that results in positive life changes.
Athlete Input Council
Multiple times per year, Special Olympics Minnesota hosts an Athlete Leadership Council where athletes provide crucial feedback and ideas for strengthening our mission and organization. Lead by athlete leaders, this council gives Special Olympics athletes an opportunity to be agents of change in this movement and in their own communities.
For that hour, athletes discuss a predetermined topic and follow the guidelines that all ideas and opinions are heard and valued.
At the end of each council session, the council leaders summarize and report back to Special Olympics Minnesota staff so they can include the feedback and ideas in their decision-making processes.
Leadership Reporting
Special Olympics Minnesota is now using the President’s Volunteer Service Award Program to recognize all athletes and Unified partners for their volunteer work within the Special Olympics movement and their communities. Awards will be distributed on a 12-month basis starting with your first entry.
Through the Athlete Leadership program, I have done things that I would never have dreamed of getting to do. To name a few, I have made Public Service Announcements and Plunged with sports celebrities and executives, I have had fun with pro team mascots at different events, and I have even done a television interview. My newest endeavor is helping to start our Athlete Input Council. The Athlete Leadership program has helped me dream big and build my confidence.
– Erik, Athlete Leader
I absolutely love being a part of the Athlete Leadership program, it gives me a chance to have my voice heard, utilize my leadership skills to spread the message of Special Olympics MN. It also gives me a chance to give back to Special Olympics. I have discovered my passion for Public Speaking through being involved in the Athlete Leadership program.
– Nell, Athlete Leader