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We are delighted to introduce the Special Olympics New Zealand Athlete Leadership Programme Class of 2025.
The selection process for this cohort was incredibly competitive, with over 20 outstanding athletes from across Aotearoa putting their name forward and we would like to sincerely thank all the athletes, mentors and clubs for the time and effort committed to their applications.
This is a very exciting time for the Athlete Leadership Programme with such a diverse and talented group of athletes set to take the next step in their leadership journey and we are thrilled that some clubs will have an athlete leader taking part in the programme for the very first time.
Class of 2025
Cameron Blackley
Club: Southland
Mentor: Donnah Richards
Alysha Canning
Club: Otago
Mentor: Matt Woodason
Amelia Eades
Club: Auckland
Mentor: Aysesha Singh
Hayley Little
Club: Tauranga
Mentor: Shirley Dunstan
Jared Lutu
Club: Mangere
Mentor: Anna Maria Lee
James Pierce
Club: Porirua
Mentor: Helen Brookes-Smith
Tom Russell
Club: Manukau
Mentor: Aliyah Ali
Libby Shepherd
Club: Manawatu
Mentor: Carla L’Huilier
Henry Stilwell
Club: Thames Valley
Mentor: Elaine Rattigan
Laetitia Yin Xuan Tan
Club: Hibiscus Coast-Rodney
Mentors: Michele Caminos and Loraine Skelton
What is the SONZ Athlete Leadership Programme?
The Athlete Leadership Programme (ALP) is an annual programme delivered by Special Olympics New Zealand designed to provide Special Olympic athletes with personal and professional leadership training and development they can apply to leadership roles in their Clubs, community, and workplace.
You can learn more about the Athlete Leadership Programme and other opportunities available to our Athlete Leaders at https://specialolympics.org.nz/what-we-do/athlete-leadership/
In 2025 we will be taking the opportunity to review the overall offering of the Athlete Leadership Programme, including a survey of all clubs, to ensure the programme best meets the needs of our athletes and clubs and continues to strengthen the voice of Special Olympics athletes across Aotearoa.
Another focus in 2025 is to to develop a “virtual” mentor network, allowing the opportunity for mentors across the country to join, connect and share ideas as well as ensuring all Athlete Leaders have access to the best possible support and development opportunities throughout their leadership journey.