Luca, 23, is a Youth Leader from Germany who has been volunteering with Special Olympics for many years. He is the chairman of the Youth Committee and has significantly shaped the community with his commitment and innovative ideas. Luca is motivated by his vision of giving young individuals with and without disabilities equal opportunities to participate in sports.
Due to the pandemic, Luca has noticed that exchanges amongst youth have been reduced to a minimum. Digital platforms can provide support but do not replace in-person interactions with each other. Specific to the Special Olympics Germany Youth Committee, the personal relationships have suffered and therefore team spirit has diminished. Activities were unable to take place, which takes away the momentum and motivation of the team itself.
Luca’s plan involves strengthening the structure of the Youth Technical Committee and reactivating the team spirit and enthusiasm of those involved. Since COVID restrictions are over, the project involves focusing on in-person exchange and knowledge transfer allowing leadership skills to be learned and practiced. The overall purpose allows young people to be involved in all processes, even those involving decision-making and design.
Luca wants to bring the enthusiasm back to the Youth Technical Commitee and motivate young people by developing ideas and planning projects together. The hope is to grow even stronger together as a team and the plan is for the changes to spark a greater interest and to provide Luca with skills and knowledge for this purpose.