Athlete Leadership

As I reflect on my experience as a member of the first-ever Special Olympics North America Athlete Media Team at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, it occurred to me that I was a part of history. Special Olympics North America had never brought an athlete media team to the USA Games, having them highlight athlete experiences from a peer perspective. This unique opportunity showed everyone that people with disabilities deserve representation in the media.

Nikilani Rojas of Special Olympics Hawaii is someone who makes things happen by leading others and following through.

An intensive training program focused on leadership, inclusion, and personal development awaited members of the Special Olympics Middle East/North Africa Regional Athlete Leadership Council.

At a book fair in Guatemala City in mid-2024, Athlete Leader Daniel Guerra was doing what he does well, telling the story of people with intellectual disabilities and the barriers they face.

She had a keynote speech to give. She was in an unfamiliar city for just a few hours. Bright spotlights shined upon her. In a grand meeting room, 350 leaders from across Europe faced her.

XiaoBai had an hours-long journey tolast year’s training in Beijing, simply because the city is so big. The 2025 training voyage was longer still.

Members of the new Asia Pacific Regional Athlete Leadership Council had several days of onboarding training in July 2025.

When the Special Olympics Namibia Board of Directors needed to send a delegate to a major regional conference, they chose Athlete Leader Felicity Van der Heever.

For more than 27 years, Tham Kar Soon has been a cornerstone of Special Olympics Singapore (SOSG), where his passion for bocce has carried him from local practice courts to the global stage.

All Special Olympics athletes want is to have the same chance to prove their worth. Just like their peers, in sports and in everyday life, the inclusion of employment opportunities.