Ian Harper
Ian is the former chair of the Athlete Leadership Team here in Great Britain. He is currently the Sargent Shriver International Global Messenger for Special Olympics Europe Eurasia.
Ian likes that Athlete leadership can bring exciting opportunities for athletes to develop their leadership skills and contribute to the organisation.
Athlete Leadership is important to Ian because he wants to pass on his experience, skills and knowledge to the next generation of athlete leaders. Ian actively encourages other athletes to get involved in athlete leadership because ‘it will change their lives for the better, in a physical, mental, spiritual and inspiring way’.
Ian ranks becoming the chair of the athlete leadership team and being a Sargent Shriver International Global Messenger as his greatest achievements. But away from leadership, Ian also competed in Athletics. He became a gold medalist at the 2005 European Athletics competition in Czech Republic.
In his spare time Ian likes to do meditation to help him relax and his favourite food is spaghetti. Ian sees Sir Richard Branson is a role model because of his successful business empire.
In the next few years, Ian would like to carry on competing in Special Olympics competitions, as well as continuing to promote Athlete Leadership.