Special Olympics athletes are the leaders of the movement. Through Special Olympics Athlete Leadership Programs (ALPs), athletes explore opportunities in roles previously considered “nontraditional.” Such participation might come in the form of an athlete serving on the Board of Directors or local organizing committee, or it might find an athlete as a spokesperson, team captain, coach or official.

Participation in ALPs may be in addition to or in place of participation in traditional programs. As an integral component of Special Olympics’ dedication to empowerment and dignity, ALPs initiatives provide new opportunities for athletes and benefit the movement as a whole.

Special Olympics Roles

• Athletes on Program Boards of Directors  
• Athletes on Games Management Teams
• Athletes on Games Evaluation Teams
• Global Messenger  (Athletes who serve as Ambassadors for SOWV)
• Athlete Congress or Input Councils
• Athletes as Coaches
• Athletes as Officials
• Athletes as Volunteers
• Athletes as contributors to newsletters and Web sites