The Michael Phelps Foundation (MPF) and Special Olympics are proud to announce a major leap in the ongoing partnership—the launch of the MPF IM Coach Level 1 Course, now available to all Special Olympics coaches globally via the Special Olympics Learning Portal.
This new opportunity brings the power of the IM Program curriculum—developed by the Michael Phelps Foundation—directly to coaches’ fingertips, no matter where they live or train. The IM Coach Level 1 course offers a dynamic entry point into coaching Special Olympics swimmers. It’s designed to welcome new and aspiring coaches to the pool deck with confidence, clarity, and the unique values that define MPF training.
“This course represents our shared commitment to advancing inclusive coaching through collaborative education with Special Olympics. By expanding access to the IM Program, we’re not only investing in coaches, but we’re also helping to create more meaningful experiences for Special Olympic athletes in every corner of the world.”
The course complements in-person IM Coach Level 2 trainings that have already proven successful in regions like Europe Eurasia and Latin America in recent years, where over 40 coaches have impacted 300 new coaches under the IM Champion model.
Making the IM Coach Level 1 accessible online expands this reach dramatically enabling coaches everywhere to benefit from the same principles that have inspired Olympic greatness and Special Olympics excellence alike and enabling SOI to receive accurate data that shows the needs of new swim coaches across the globe.
“This is an exciting step forward in our partnership with the Michael Phelps Foundation, by making this foundational swim course available on our global learning platform, we’re providing coaches everywhere with the tools and knowledge to confidently support athletes with intellectual disabilities in and around the pool,” added Jack Duffy, Manager of Sport Development at Special Olympics International.
For coaches, this partnership represents more than professional development—it’s a chance to create inclusive, high-quality swim programs that empower athletes with intellectual disabilities. By investing in foundational coaching skills and values-driven mentorship, the MPF and Special Olympics are together helping shape capable, and compassionate swim leaders across 69 countries within the movement.
Start the Level 1 Course today!! See the link below and follow the instructions on screen.
