Athlete Leadership
We are committed to developing and involving athletes as leaders. Athlete Leadership empowers athletes to develop leadership skills and utilize their voices and abilities to undertake meaningful leadership roles, influence change in the Special Olympics movement and create inclusive communities around the world. As athletes gain the confidence that comes with achievement, they feel empowered and ready to take on new challenges to make use of all their abilities.
What is Athlete Leadership?
Special Olympics Athlete Leadership allows athletes to explore opportunities for greater participation in our movement beyond sports training and competition.
Special Olympics New Hampshire athlete leaders help spread the message and vision of the movement as well as the benefits they have gained by participating in Special Olympics. As leaders and message-bearers of the movement, our athlete leaders communicate the powerful declarations of hope, acceptance, dignity, and courage of Special Olympics athletes around the world.
How do I become an athlete leader?
Are you ready to step into the spotlight and be a voice for your Local Program and the Special Olympics athletes here in the Granite State? Join us for our annual Athlete Leadership Training, part of our greater Leadership Conference, where athletes will train to become Special Olympics Global Messengers or continue their work as Global Messengers.
This is a unique opportunity for Special Olympics athletes to develop powerful speaking skills and craft a compelling speech that tells their story. By participating, athletes will help elevate their program’s impact and showcase the incredible talent and stories within our community.
Once athletes are trained, ask that athletes give at least three speeches per year to keep their skills current and to remain an active athlete leader with SONH. These speaking opportunities may be organized by SONH or the athlete leader may identify opportunities within their own local program or school to give their speech. When an athlete gives a speech, they will share that with the state office so we can track it.
How can volunteers support with athlete leadership?
Are you interested in volunteering at our athlete leadership training or becoming on ongoing mentor for athlete leaders across the state or in your own community?
You can get started by completing these steps to become a Local Program Volunteer and reaching out to Shelby at ShelbyC@sonh.org or (603) 933-1093.
Get Started as an Athlete Leader?
If you an athlete interested in learning more about athlete leadership or if you know of an athlete interested in getting involved with Athlete Leadership, please contact: