Athlete Leadership Programmes

Special Olympics New Zealand Global Messengers Class of 2011 -
Left to right: Charlie Smith, Athol Tipene, Chris Tilley, Michael Condor, Jason Donovan, Grant McKenzie, Chris Rielly, Judith Porter, Frank Green, Kym O'Grady, Thomas van der Lugt, Ella Sharples

Special Olympics Athlete Leadership Programmes (ALPs) allow athletes to explore opportunities in roles previously considered non-traditional. 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.

As athletes mature, they seek new challenges and look for ways to utilise the wisdom that comes from their life and Special Olympics experiences. ALPs initiatives are designed to provide those challenges and opportunities.

ALPs initiatives also provide an excellent way to demonstrate to the larger community that athletes have talents and interests that sometimes go unnoticed. Athletes amaze their communities with their commitment, drive and athletic skill and then they show that they help direct and provide the programme for others.

Internationally, the Special Olympics Athlete Leadership Programme has five main areas:

• Athletes as Global Messengers (Ambassadors)
• Athletes as Coaches
• Athletes as Volunteers
• Athletes as Officials
• Athletes on Board of Directors

In March 2010, Prime Minister John Key launched the Special Olympics New Zealand Global Messenger Programme. In the years to come, Special Olympics New Zealand will develop a plan to work through the five programmes.

Read about Special Olympics New Zealand’s Global Messenger Programme, meet the Global Messengers and learn how to apply.