Special Olympics Great Britain (GB) is delighted to welcome seven new members to its Athlete Leadership Team (ALT), which represents the voices of the thousands of people with intellectual (learning) disabilities who are supported by the charity.

With more than 20 applications received from athletes and a competitive interview process, the decision was taken to grow the ALT from 10 to 12 members, who will regularly consult with the Special Olympics GB National Office, bring forward the opinions and thoughts of fellow athletes, and act as ambassadors for the movement.

Joining the group are:

  • Adam Brownsword, Special Olympics Camden
  • Matthew Brough, Special Olympics City of York
  • Emily Clarke, Special Olympics North Staffordshire
  • Warren Clark, Special Olympics Southern & Warren Clark Golfing Dreams
  • Fredrika Karlsson, Special Olympics North Devon & Barnstable
  • Jenny Lee, Special Olympics Yorkshire & Humberside
  • Taylor MacKenzie, Monifieth Swim Club

The athletes have today been announced on large digital outdoor screens across the country, thanks to the support of Special Olympics GB partner, Ocean Outdoor.

Tom Casson, Head of Projects (Impact and Inclusion) at Special Olympics GB, said: “We’re very proud of how the ALT has developed, since its creation in 2016. This year’s recruitment process has seen more athletes apply than ever before and many of the ALT’s alumni have made huge strides in their personal development throughout their time within the group.

“Because of the quality of the applications that were received, the current ALT members made the decision to expand the group and give two more of our athletes the opportunity to be part of the group and represent the views of their fellow athletes at board level.”

After serving half of their four-year term on the ALT, it’s elected members can stand as Chair or Vice Chair, in a democratic process. This sees all Special Olympics GB athletes who have completed the six-month Athlete Leadership development and training programme, which is funded through the ICAP Charity Day, vote on who will be the nominated leaders.

Additionally, elected ALT members can apply for further leadership roles and to represent the voice of athletes at international level. Outgoing ALT member Kiera Byland BEM has a role as Chair of the Global Athlete Congress and is a board member of Special Olympics International. Niall Guite is part of the Special Olympics Europe Eurasia Regional Athlete Leadership Council.

“Athletes are at the centre of everything that we do at Special Olympics GB and the ALT ensures that its members can influence and challenge the decisions that are made at board level,” said Laura Baxter MBE, Chief Executive of Special Olympics GB.

“It’s a great honour for any individual to be elected to represent the views of their peers. All seven athletes should feel very proud of this achievement, and we look forward to working with them, and the wider ALT, in the months ahead.

The seven new ALT members will officially start their new role from 1 January 2025. Ahead of that elections for the Chair and Vice Chair of the ALT will take place at the first Athlete Leadership Forum, which takes place next month at the Stratford Hotel on 21 and 22 November.