Athlete Leadership

For over three decades, Chris Meservey has shared his blissfulness with everyone he meets within Special Olympics Nevada and beyond. By career choice, he teaches public speaking at the high school level but stemming from his love of sports, he coaches basketball and swimming.

I dedicate my time to develop as an athlete leader. I show up to my commitments and sport practices. Some days I don’t feel like putting in the effort, but I do it anyway because it helps me develop into a stronger athlete and a stronger leader. I am willing to put in the hard work! True leaders dedicate their energy to what they love to do.

In over a decade of participation in Special Olympics, I’ve learned many athlete leadership skills that have helped me, and any athlete, move into an inclusive workplace. In today’s blog piece I will share with you five Special Olympics Athlete Leadership skills that have prepared me for my current employment at United Airlines, which includes: public speaking and interviews, getting outside of myself, having a global perspective, taking initiative, and valuing all members of a team.

Standing on a silver construction ladder with a red top, Shakir Stapleton is tucked deep inside the ceiling working on the technical aspect of computer systems. To the normal eye, the complicated wiring and electrical work can be described as a foreign language. But for Stapleton, it’s just another day at work, in his element, thriving.

Michael Jacques lives life overcoming obstacles. He doesn't read or write, but that doesn't stop him from sharing his story in the most creative of ways. Jacques shares his story about how he became a self-published author to his books "I Belong: Can I Play?" and "Can’t Read, Can’t Write, Here’s My Book." A feat that while challenging, was well worth it in the end.

Employment stories come in all categories, with each story reflecting a unique perspective and journey to getting that job. For people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, it is not always an easy journey to employment.

USA Today Sports Celebrates the Legacy of Special Olympics Founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver

Earlier this year, Special Olympics Russia convened its first-ever Athlete Leadership Council as part of the country’s pioneering Leadership Project involving athletes, coaches and families!

Ben Haack served for 9 years on the Board of his local Program, Special Olympics Australia. We asked him to share his advice for young Athlete Leaders in Africa Region wanting to do the same.

As the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games came to an end, all in attendance gathered to celebrate a week of sports and inclusion at the Closing Ceremony. Over the loudspeakers and displayed on the jumbotron, the announcement that the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games would be held in Orlando, FL was made. A sense of excitement could be felt throughout the entire venue.