As the Special Olympics Global Athlete Congress Chair, Kiera Byland has helped ensure athlete voices are heard at the highest levels of the movement. But ask her about the leadership she's most proud of, and she'll point beyond boardrooms and committees and point toward classrooms, cycling clubs, swimming pools, and communities where inclusion comes to life every day.
"If I had to describe my leadership style, I would say it's transformational leadership," she said.
That philosophy has shaped how she leads within Special Olympics. Rather than advocating for her own perspective alone, Kiera has worked to create opportunities for athletes around the world to influence decisions together.
"I didn't just want my own opinions and voices to be heard," she explained. "With the help of Special Olympics staff, I was able to set up an Athlete Bids and Evaluation Sub Committee that covers seven regions of the world and athlete leaders' opinions on that topic."
The same mindset guides her work outside Special Olympics.
"For me, leadership outside of Special Olympics; the first thing that comes to mind is I get to go to schools and get to be involved. I get to be involved in my local community," she said.
The confidence to step into those spaces was built through years of opportunities as an athlete and leader.
"It's given me the confidence to go out of my comfort zone and continue my grandmother's legacy of raising money for my local hospice," she said. "I work at a local day nursery once a week, and I've managed to attend different events from the Royal Garden Party to the King's Coronation."
"I wouldn't have been able to do that without having the confidence because of what Special Olympics has given me."
That confidence has opened doors, but it has also created opportunities to give back.
A cyclist, cycling coach, and a swim teacher, Kiera works with adults and young people both with and without intellectual disabilities, helping them discover skills they may never have thought possible.
"I like to upskill others and see them achieve a task or a goal," she says. "Because if I achieve something, that's great, but if I can see somebody else do that and we share it together, it's very rewarding for me."
Watching others succeed has become one of the most meaningful parts of her leadership journey.
Along the way, she's also seen attitudes begin to change.
"I have seen the changing of the coaches' attitudes towards people with intellectual disabilities," she said. "And their coaching styles as well has adapted in a positive way."
She points to simple but powerful changes like slowing instructions, demonstrating skills, and giving athletes time to process information, examples of how inclusive coaching benefits everyone.
"I always say that sport is for everyone," she said. "We are valuable and just give us a chance. Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."
Looking back, she sees a journey that began when she joined Special Olympics at 16 years old and has taken her from athlete to coach, educator, advocate, and Global Athlete Congress Chair.
"I'd like to have a permanent role, but I'd also like to continue the work that I do in the local community as well," she said.
Whether she's speaking in schools, coaching athletes, mentoring future leaders, or representing athletes on the global stage, the motivation remains the same.
"Success isn't just about me," she said. "It's about how can I help other people to succeed."
It's a philosophy that has defined her leadership journey and one that continues to create opportunities for others to find their own voice, both within Special Olympics and far beyond it.
