Athlete Leadership
Empowering athletes to develop leadership skills and utilize their voices and abilities to assume meaningful leadership roles, influence change within the Special Olympics movement, and create inclusive communities around the world.
Start Your Athlete Leadership Journey
Become a leader, build confidence, and make a difference in your community
What is Athlete Leadership?
Building Leaders Who Shape Our Organization's Future
Through organized training and practical experiences, Athlete Leadership prepares athletes for meaningful positions of influence and leadership throughout the Special Olympics organization, both on and off the playing field.
Athlete Leaders within all levels of our program have strong voices, a desire to get involved, and a better understanding of what their needs are and where we should be heading as an organization.
Athlete Leadership University Roles
Three pathways to leadership for athletes ages 16+
Athlete Representative
The eyes, ears and voice of their peers. Serves as the middle person between the athletes and Board of Directors.
- Represents athlete interests to leadership
- Works with Mentor, Team Leader, and Regional Executive Director
- Part of Athlete Leadership Teams at local level
- Helps recruit athletes and volunteers, plan fundraisers and engage other athlete leaders.
Global Messenger
Trained in public speaking and storytelling. Shares their Special Olympics experience with various audiences.
- Gives at least six speeches per year
- Recruits athletes, volunteers, and donors
- Effectively communicates organizational needs with various audiences
- Inspires others through personal stories
Health & Fitness Coordinator
Promotes healthier lifestyles for athletes, Unified partners, coaches and families through fitness activities.
- Leads 8+ week walking clubs during sports seasons
- Promotes healthy habits and active lifestyles
- Creates inclusive fitness opportunities
Get Started
How to Become an Athlete Leader
Follow these steps to begin your leadership journey:
1
Fill out the Athlete Leadership Interest Form to share what role(s) you are interested in. This allows Special Olympics Pennsylvania will follow up with you when training information is available.
2
Get Approval. Team Leader and Regional Executive Director approval is required for any athlete to attend Athlete Leadership University.
3
Click here to Contact Jordan Schubert with any additional questions about Athlete Leadership!
Athlete Leadership Mentors
Supporting Athletes on Their Leadership Journey
What is a Mentor?
Athlete Leaders in all roles, regardless of age and ability, must have a Mentor. A Mentor could be a family member, coach, friend or anyone else willing to support the athlete’s leadership journey.
Mentors must be willing to provide their Athlete Leader with whatever support they need before, during and after training at Athlete Leadership University.
Mentor Responsibilities
- Understand the athlete’s reading, writing and speaking abilities
- Stay in touch monthly
- Value the Athlete Leader’s opinions
- Provide constructive feedback
- Facilitate transportation and technology support
- Work with parents, caretakers, and volunteers to ensure understanding
Ready to Lead?
Join the next generation of athlete leaders who are shaping the future of Special Olympics Pennsylvania. Your voice matters, and your leadership can make a difference.
To learn more about the Athlete Leadership Program:
