Athlete Leadership Programs
The mission of the Special Olympics Athlete Leadership Programs (ALPs) is to empower athletes to develop leadership skills and utilize their voices to assume meaningful leadership roles, influence change in the Special Olympics movement, and educate communities around the world that results in positive life changes. ALPs at Special Olympics Massachusetts provides training and support for athletes who desire to expand their participation in Special Olympics, both on and off the competition field. Through ALPs, athletes receive training and have opportunities to hold positions of leadership and influence. In these roles, athletes may help determine policy and set direction for Special Olympics Massachusetts.
In Massachusetts, the following Athlete Leadership Programs are offered:
| Athletes on the Board of Directors | Two Special Olympics Massachusetts athletes, Denise Carriere and Matt Millett, currently serve on the Special Olympics Massachusetts Board of Directors. |
| Athletes as Spokespeople | Known throughout the movement as Global Messengers, athletes undergo training to act as spokespeople on behalf of Special Olympics. |
| Athletes as Committee Members | Athletes may serve on a variety of local, section, and state committees and event management teams. |
| Athletes as Coaches | Through the Special Olympics Massachusetts Coaches Education Program, athletes can receive training to serve as certified coaches for Special Olympics Massachusetts sports teams throughout the year. |
| Athletes as Volunteers | Athletes join the volunteer forces of Special Olympics Massachusetts by helping out with sporting events, fundraising events and other activities throughout the year. Many of our athletes put together teams to participate in the Jolly Jaunt or Polar PlunGE |