Special Olympics Colorado Athlete Leadership
Athlete Leadership Programs (ALPs) allow Special Olympic Colorado (SOCO) athletes to help shape the future of the Special Olympics movement and ensure all people with intellectual disabilities have the opportunity to participate in sports training and competition that is fun and fair. ALPs train athletes to serve in meaningful leadership roles other than or in addition to sports. Special Olympics Colorado currently provides multiple opportunities for athletes to serve as leaders, and we are constantly searching for ways to make our programs more athlete-led.
The current opportunities that we have are listed below, the biggest program we offer is our Athlete Leadership Program University, often referred to as ALPs U. During this two to three-year program athletes choose a track to study, participate in required courses, while receiving guidance from a one to one mentor. At the end of the program athletes will be equipped with the skills necessary to take on higher leadership roles both within Special Olympics Colorado, and their individual communities.
Current Athlete Leadership Roles and Opportunities
Athlete Input Council (currently working on regional AICs, more to come 2021)
Athletes as Global Messengers
Athletes as Health Messengers
Athletes as Fitness Captains
Athletes as Board Members
Athletes as Storytellers
Athletes as Interns
Athletes as Committee Members
Athletes as Coaches
Athletes as Volunteers
Athlete Leadership Program University (ALPs U)
ALPs U is a program that allows athletes to pursue a University style of leadership courses through curriculum development that is individual and unique to Special Olympics. Athletes must be 21 or over in order to register.
Athletes begin their ALPs U journey with an Introduction to Leadership Course to learn about SOCO, and how to jump into leadership. From there they can choose from one of four different tracks (Communication, Health and Fitness, Governance, and Coaching) where they will take two content courses, followed by electives and finishing up with a leadership capstone. This series of classes leads them to graduation two or three years later, where they earn a certificate in their chosen area of study.
The following supplies are provided to each athlete leader who attends: bag or backpack, binder or folder, t-shirt, writing utensil and other freebies!
Athletes are allowed to pursue as many certificates as they would like after completion of their first. For example, if an athlete graduates and earns their certificate in the Communications track, they can enroll for the following semester and begin studying in the Health and Fitness track.
Alumni Status
After athlete leaders complete their certificates in an area of study through ALPs U, they will be highly encouraged to use their high level leadership skills not only in their individual jobs and communities, but also within SOCO programming. The hope is that alumni will come back as co-instructors, planning committee members, mentors, and more!
Goals
- Allow athletes self-determination of how and in what roles they will participate in Special Olympics
- Provide athletes with the training and certification, where appropriate, to properly prepare them for success
- Include athletes in positions of influence and leadership throughout the organization to help determine policy and set direction.
- Provide training and education for existing leadership as we welcome and encourage athletes in their new roles
- Recognize athletes’ ability to contribute in these roles in a meaningful way by holding them accountable to all SOCO policies and rules
Location
Thanks to the University of Denver and Dr. Karen Riley, we are lucky enough to host each semester of ALPs U in the Morgridge College of Education- Ruffatto Hall.
1999 E Evans Ave, Denver, CO 80210
Mentor Information
Our goal in ALPs U is to have a one to one ratio of mentor to athlete. Mentors must be class A certified and have a current background check on file. Each mentor-athlete relationship is unique just as each individual is unique. The role of the mentor is to learn alongside athletes on their leadership journey while supporting the integration of new curriculum. Although there are minor exceptions, we recommend mentors outside of the family. For more information and an up to date application, see our website.
Registration Information (deadlines announced semesterly)
Course Descriptions | ||
Course | Description | Practical Experience |
Introduction to Athlete Leadership | Overview of basic leadership skills as it applies to SOCO, and previews of different majors | Volunteer 10 hours (preferably at SOCO event) and demonstrate learned leadership skills |
Governance 201 | What does it mean to be a change maker? And introduction to the basics of decision-making on a board | Schedule with Stephanie Levine to attend one SOCO board meeting |
Governance 202 | Details of how to participate in a formal board meeting, as well as mock board meeting with YPB and/or BOD | Research different board options in your area and apply to at least one |
Health/ Fitness 201 Health Ambassador | Start your health journey with a focus on fitness and how to become a health ambassador. | To be determined as part of coursework. |
Health/ Fitness 202 Health Messenger | Continue onto a fitness focus and receive official training on becoming a health messenger. | To be determined as part of coursework. |
Communication 201 Global Ambassador | Work on presentation and how to hone in on public speaking skills. Brief history of SOCO | Develop a three to five minute speech and 30-second elevator pitch. |
Communication 202 Global Messenger | Application of speaking skills in different settings and how to make adjustments on the fly. | Deliver your amended speech in front of three different audiences. |
Coaching 201 | Introduction to coaching at Special Olympics Colorado, what does it mean to be a coach? | To be determined as part of coursework. |
Coaching 202 | Continue to learn the processes and procedures for becoming the best SOCO coach you can be. | To be determined as part of coursework. |
Advanced Leadership **Elective course | Deeper dive into the professional aspects of leadership and how to apply skills to job, community, etc. | To be determined as part of coursework. |
Financial Independence **Elective course | Presented by Ent Banking, focus on budgeting, avoiding scams, and how to be wise with your money. | To be determined as part of coursework. |
Healthy Cooking and Kitchen Safety **Elective course | Learn how to safely cook simple, yet healthy foods. | To be determined as part of coursework. |
Leadership Capstone *Details below* | Athletes will choose a project to work on over one year to show what they’ve learned throughout their studies. | After one year present a new project for SOCO, or improvements to a current program. |
**Highlighted rows are elective courses, only athletes who have passed their 202 course can enroll in an elective. | ||
Leadership Capstone
The leadership capstone is designed to be the culmination of each athlete’s course of study throughout ALPs U. During the capstone, each athlete will discover what they are most passionate about within Special Olympics Colorado and work with their mentor, and SOCO staff to identify a project they can take on. These projects can range from an improvement on something we currently offer, to something completely new that is thought out and implemented by the athletes themselves! At the end of the year, each athlete will present their project, similar to a science fair set-up or defending a doctorate study. We look forward to the ways that the leadership capstone will evolve and will use this opportunity to continue to be as athlete-led as possible in the future of Special Olympics Colorado.
Updated May 2020