This campaign has now closed
Through Special Olympics Athlete Leadership Programs (ALP), 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 organising committee, or it might find an athlete as a spokesperson, team captain, coach or official.
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The Special Olympics Athlete Leadership Programme (ALP) enables people with learning disabilities to explore education and skills development pathways whilst building upon their current interest and involvement in sport. The programme aims to bolster their confidence and engage them in active decision-making and ambassadorship roles within Special Olympics. ALP focuses on empowering athletes as representatives of people with learning disabilities, allowing them to articulate their opinions, make sure they have a voice, giving them the chance to be independent and feel empowered enough to break down the social barriers they face in society. ALP would offer a modular training programme for at least 1,200 athletes over the next three years who are already involved Special Olympics but provide them the opportunity to broaden their horizons, not as athletes but as assistant coaches, administrators, spokespersons, fundraisers and PR assistants. A key priority is to build on the sucessful pilot delivery of three Athlete Leadership Programmes: ALP - Athletes as Coaches, Volunteers and Officials ALP - Global Messengers ALP - Empowerment. Within Great Britain, ALP would also offer a platform upon which athletes can access education and support to learn to speak persuasively; speak up for other athletes; articulate their opinions on strategy, policy and governance; analyze financial reports; and research and prepare speeches for events etc. The Jomati Foundation have donated £5,000 towards the ALP leaving another £5,000 to raise.