Larissa Vitoria and Raquel Toledo are Youth Leaders from Special Olympics Brazil who wanted to create more opportunities to showcase the Athlete and Unified Leadership Programs. Through their project, they aimed to empower Athlete Leaders to share their experiences, explain the Special Olympics movement, and demonstrate what inclusive leadership looks like in action.
The Project was inspired by Athlete Leaders, who encouraged the Project Leaders to spread the word of inclusion.
Larissa Vitoria and Raquel Toledo established a “Leadership Tent” at Special Olympics sporting and health events, creating a dedicated space for Athlete Leaders to share their experiences, promote the Leadership Program, and engage with community members.

The initiative aimed to empower athletes to become ambassadors for inclusion, bringing the message of Special Olympics into spaces where people may be unfamiliar with the movement. The Youth Leaders strategically selected the initial city with the goal of establishing the Leadership Tent as an ongoing initiative that could eventually expand to other cities.
The Leadership Tent served as a conversation starter, introducing visitors to the mission of Special Olympics through conversations and informational brochures. Many visitors were surprised to learn about Special Olympics, creating opportunities for Athlete Leaders to showcase athletes’ skills and abilities both on and off the playing field.

Through these interactions, Larissa Vitoria and Raquel Toledo helped raise awareness of inclusive leadership and created a platform for athletes to share their voices and experiences with a broader audience.
Throughout the project, Larissa Vitoria and Raquel Toledo strengthened their communication and public speaking skills. One Youth Leader reflected that approaching unfamiliar people initially felt intimidating, but encouragement from fellow Athlete Leaders and their mentor helped build confidence.

Looking ahead, they plan to continue presenting at events and supporting other projects that promote inclusion and Athlete Leadership, expanding opportunities for athletes to share their stories and inspire others.