Athlete Leadership Programs

The Athlete Leadership Program (ALPs) is designed to educate and train individuals with intellectual disabilities in literacy, leadership and speaking skills. Skills developed during the training workshops provide the athletes with the ability to give speeches about what Special Olympics Iowa has done to enhance their life. The program participants enjoy greater self confidence and self-esteem both for themselves and for the thousands of Iowans with intellectual disabilities they represent.
 
 Special Olympics Iowa sponsors two separate ALPs programs:

-The Global Messenger program utilizes phonics, pictures and signs, and other literary devices adapted to fit the needs of each individual to teach athletes to deliver speeches about Special Olympics Iowa and how it has changed their lives.

      - The last Global Messenger Training was held on October 28 & 29, 2011.  Click here to view photos of this training.

-The Athlete Leadership Workshop provides training for the participants to develop leadership roles to serve on Boards of Directors and as committee representatives. The athletes learn to develop leadership roles to advocate for the needs of their fellow athletes as well as learning to problem solve.

To learn more about ALPS, or to recommend an athlete you think would be a good fit for the program, please contact Kathy Irving at 515-986-5520 ext. 111.

Thanks to our event partner Polk County.