What are Special Olympics ALPs Program?

Special Olympics Athlete Leadership Programs allow athletes to explore opportunities in roles previously considered “non-traditional.”  Such participation might come in the form of an athlete serving on the Board of Directors or local organizing committee; or it might find an athlete as a spokesperson, coach or official.

Participation in ALPs may be in addition to or in place of participation in traditional programs. 

A program or initiative could be considered an athlete leadership program if it:

• Allows athletes to choose how they will participate; (i.e. selecting their sport or deciding to become a coach),
•  Supports athletes as they seek and then serve in meaningful leadership roles other than or in addition to that of “competitor”,
• Provides training for existing leadership as they welcome and encourage athletes in these new roles.

SO-ALPs Ideas

Below are some initiatives that Special Olympics Programs have already instituted. 

• Athletes on the Program Boards of Directors
• Athletes on Board Committees
• Athletes on Local/Area Management Teams
• Athletes on Games Management Teams
• Athletes on Games Evaluation Teams
• Global Messenger Training
• Athlete Congress
• Athlete Input Councils
• Athlete sessions at Leadership Conferences
• Athletes as Coaches
• Athletes as Officials
• Athletes as Volunteers
• Athletes as Donors
• Athletes employed by Special Olympics
• Athletes as contributors to newsletters
• Here are some basic steps to take:

How to Get ALPs Started

• Get the word out to athletes, family members, coaches, etc. that your program - no matter what level - is interested in Athlete Leadership Programming.  The best way to do this is to talk about it in newsletters and meetings.
• Ask your local programs or coaches for existing examples of athletes serving in leadership roles or directing their own participation.  Use the definition of ALPs given here as a criteria.  If you are a Program staff person, ask Area Directors, if you are an Area Director, ask Coaches.  ALPs programming happens where athletes participate!
• Record the input as a base line and look for ideas to promote and standardize.  Inform Special Olympics, Inc. of your findings so that a world-wide data base of ALPs ideas can be maintained. 
• Throughout the process, TALK TO ATHLETES about what they would like to do!
• Be sure that you find ways to value and promote ALL athletes - not just the highly skilled.