Athlete Leadership Programs (ALPs) allow Special Olympics athletes to help shape the future of the Special Olympics movement and ensure all people with intellectual disabilities have the opportunity to participate in sports training and competition that is fun and fair. If you'd like to participate, please contact Gerri Walter at gerri@specialolympicsri.org.
- Serving on a Games Management Team
- Serving as a spokesperson (Global Messenger)
- Serving as a volunteer
- Becoming a certified coach
- Serving on SORI Board of Directors or Torch Run Committee
Athletes as Coaches
Special Olympics athletes can become certified coaches and coach other Special Olympics athletes. Athletes may choose a sport they have participated in or are just interested in coaching. As with all Special Olympics coaches, these athletes are encouraged to attend a Special Olympics, Inc. coach training school in the particular sport they would coach.
Special Olympics athletes who are coaches may train athletes within their community or may assist athletes at higher levels of competition such as invitationals or state-level competitions. For more information please contact Chris Hopkins, Director of Programs.
Sargent Shriver Global Messenger Program
Through the Global Messenger Program, athletes are trained to be spokespersons for Special Olympics. Global Messengers are ambassadors for the organization and can recruit potential athletes, volunteers and sponsors through public presentations. For more information please contact Gerri Walter, Director of Marketing & Communications.
Athletes as Members of Board of Directors
Athletes may serve as Board members for a term of three years. Athletes are required to attend Board meetings that last from 1-2 hours and give input when appropriate. Special Olympics athletes must submit a letter of interest and a resume of Special Olympics experience and work/life experience to Dennis DeJesus, Executive Director.