Jacob’s project aimed to empower athletes and youth leaders in South Africa with the skills and confidence needed to create and manage their own community initiatives. While many athlete leaders had participated as volunteers in numerous Special Olympics projects, they lacked the project management and leadership skills needed to independently develop and sustain their own activities. Through this project, Jacob created a platform where athletes and youth leaders could strengthen their ability to advocate, fundraise, and create more opportunities through their own projects and initiatives.
The project was inspired by the Athlete Leadership Council, as Jacob and fellow leaders recognized the importance of creating activities that are meaningful, relevant, and led by athletes and youth themselves. With the support of families from the Special Olympics South Africa Athlete Leadership Council, Jacob sought to build the skills and confidence needed for athletes and youth leaders to take ownership of their ideas and bring them to life.
Jacob began by identifying a project management trainer to provide training for himself and five additional youth leaders volunteering at the Special Olympics South Africa national office. Following the training, the youth leaders developed and delivered project management sessions for members of the National Athlete Leadership Council and Special Olympics South Africa staff. Participants were also encouraged to complete Special Olympics Learning Portal modules focused on athlete spokesperson skills and understanding leadership. To support long-term sustainability, Jacob and the youth leaders continued connecting participants with relevant courses and learning opportunities to further develop their skills and knowledge.
Jacob’s project helped expand Unified Sports opportunities throughout South Africa by strengthening the capacity of youth leaders to organize and lead their own initiatives. As a result, youth leaders successfully hosted provincial Youth Day events, engaged more schools and centers, and increased awareness of inclusion. The project also helped youth leaders build relationships with sponsors and donors to support the continuation of future activities.
Jacob shared that it was inspiring to see youth leaders confidently advocate for inclusion and take ownership of planning and hosting their own events. He was proud to see initiatives come to life through the dedication and leadership of young people and hopes to continue expanding opportunities for athletes and youth leaders to create change and reach more communities.