Athletes Leadership Program Training the athletes of today to be leaders for tomorrow.

What is the Athlete Leadership Program?

The Athlete Leadership Programs provide training and support for athletes who want to explore and expand their participation in Special Olympics both on and off the field of competition. In addition, the programs provide training and support for staff, coaches, volunteers and family members so they can promote a "culture of welcome" for the athletes.

For more information regarding any of these programs, please contact the Director of Outreach and Families.

Athletes on the Board of Directors
Special Olympics Texas welcomes two athletes to our Board of Directors. These athletes represent athlete concerns and participate in decision making at the chapter level.

Athletes as Committee Members
Athletes are encouraged to participate on existing area and chapter committees. Their involvement is crucial to our organization.

Chapter Input Council
This council is a forum for athletes to report to other athletes what is happening in their areas, voice their opinions about important issues, and gain leadership training and experience. Each area has representatives that sit on the council for a two-year term.

Area Input Councils
Each area within Special Olympics Texas has an ALPs Input Council. This council will be similar to the Chapter council, but will focus on area issues. The area councils allow athletes more opportunities to become involved in all aspects of Special Olympics Texas.

Sargent Shriver Global Messenger Program
This program trains athletes to be public speakers and leaders in Special Olympics Texas. Global Messengers give speeches to schools, civic organizations, businesses, group homes, and other locations for the purpose of improving public relations, recruiting new athletes, coaches and volunteers, and fundraising.

Athletes as Volunteers
This program encourages athletes to become involved in their area as volunteers. These athletes serve as important role models to other athletes.

Athletes as Employees
Special Olympics Texas has employment and employment training opportunities for athletes in some areas. These opportunities allow athletes to not only participate in our programs, but also be gainfully employed.

Athletes as Coaches
Athletes have the opportunity to become coaches. This program supports athletes as they fulfill requirements to become effective coaches to other Special Olympics athletes.

Athletes as Officials
Athletes have the opportunity to become certified officials to officiate for Special Olympics and possibly for other sporting events as well. This program supports athletes who would like to pursue an official's certification.