Let us lead

Developing self-confidence, learning life skills, making friends and finding a voice are just a few of the many benefits our athletes experience through being part of Special Olympics GB.

The Athlete Leadership Programme provides a way for athletes to showcase their talents and interests, undergo training and learn new skills. The Programme gives Special Olympics athletes the opportunity to take on new roles and responsibilities, on and off the sports field.

These roles give athletes a chance to:

• Experience governance and become self-advocates (as members of Athlete Committees, Athlete Representatives and Board members)
• Share their sports experience with other athletes (as Coach Assistants)
• Represent other Special Olympics athletes as public speakers or as Ambassadors
• Learn new skills they can apply to Special Olympics, as volunteers, media representatives etc.
• Explore employment opportunities with our Corporate Partners 
• Gain advice and support with entrepreneurial ideas

The programme prepares Special Olympics athletes for inclusion into society at large, increasing their chances to live independently, to make new friends or to find a job.

Our flagship Athlete Leadership Programme unlocks the leadership ability of individuals with and without intellectual disabilities through training and development on and off the field of play aiding the personal and professional growth of athletes.

At Special Olympics GB our athletes are at the heart of every decision we make as an organisation and our Athlete Leadership Team (ALT) play a vital role. 

Our current Athlete Leadership Team is formed of ten Special Olympics GB athletes, who represent the voices of 6,500 athletes with intellectual disabilities across Great Britain.

Their mission is to:

• act as representatives for all Athletes across Special Olympics GB.​
• lead by example, championing equality, dignity and respect. ​
• encourage the creation of inclusive opportunities for everyone highlighting their abilities not disabilities. ​

Their voice, ideas and insight will help to develop​ the Special Olympics GB programme. 

Our Athlete Leadership Programme has been developed to fit into the Special Olympics International framework of Athlete Leadership, meaning there is a pathway for our Athletes, from our clubs and regions, to a national and international level. 

We also have athlete leaders who represent athletes at a club level. We are excited to grow this number over the next few years and help develop the next generation of Athlete Leaders. 

If you are Special Olympics GB athlete or know somebody who is, and are interested in Athlete Leadership training please contact Tom Casson for more information.