Saul Lugo
Specialist, Athlete Leadership
Special Olympics Arizona’s (SOAZ) Athlete Leadership Program empowers athletes to develop their skills, utilize their voices, influence change, educate, and become leaders in their communities.
ALP
The Athlete Leadership Program is an inclusive program by athletes for athletes and showcases athletes’ leadership talents. Athlete Leaders promote positive leadership for all involved with Special Olympics Arizona.
Athlete Leaders will encourage, support, inspire, motivate, and provide opportunities for meaningful inclusion throughout SOAZ. Athlete Leaders drive the direction of SOAZ’s programs, engage in speaking opportunities to spread awareness, and educate various communities on the importance of inclusion
Athlete Leaders create an inclusive community where individuals are not defined by their disability.
Athlete Leadership Chairs - Coming Soon
ALC
Athlete Leadership Council is a group of athletes who meet regularly using a well-thought-out agenda to discuss Special Olympics topics important to them and make recommendations to the area, state, or county program leadership. In these meetings, we will discuss athlete representative opportunities like area competition tabling events, virtual meetings, training, or speaking opportunities with community partners. All while working on improving athlete leadership skills, personal skills, and collaboration skills with other athletes. This program is run and structured by athlete voices.
Meet Virtually through zoom: 1st Friday of Each Month with a Recap meeting the 3rd Thursday of each month. Links and reminders will be sent to athletes that are officially part of the ALC.
“I love being part of the Athlete Leadership Council because I love being a voice for other athletes. I love being on the Athlete Leadership Council because we have a say on what goes on at competitions. Being on the Athlete Leadership Council gives me a chance to volunteer at the state level” – Sean C
“The reason why I love participating with the Athletes Leadership Council is the new friends I have made and the great opportunity to be part of a committee for Special Olympics Arizona. It is rewarding to see all athletes smile when they get a medal or win prizes at the prize wheel” – Mike T
“I like being part of Athlete Leadership because I get to meet new friends and make Special Olympics an extra special place for people to come together” – Haley
“Being part of the Athletes Leadership Team has given me the opportunity to use the experience and skills gained through Athletes Leadership Training. In addition, engagements, law enforcement fundraisers, and the opportunity to use my voice at appearances on behalf of Special Olympics.”- Vanessa
Health Messengers
Health Messengers are athletes who meet monthly using a well-thought-out agenda to discuss Special Olympics health topics important to athletes and make recommendations to the State or County Program leadership. Health Messengers are athletes that want to learn, practice, and spread health information to athletes and the community. To create a healthier environment and lifestyle for our athletes and communities.
Roxanne believes that by becoming a Health Messenger she can spread the word of health to other athletes. Providing knowledge to Athletes by speaking to them and showing them how they can be healthier
Conner believes it is important to be involved with health messengers because he likes to encourage athletes to have a positive view of themselves. Conner wants to be inclusive where all athletes can participate or learn health subjects such as sports, nutrition, hydration, and endurance.
Paavlena believes that it is important to spread the word about health with other athletes because many Special Olympic athletes struggle with basic health needs for themselves. Additionally, it’s important to Paavlena that athletes learn the importance of respecting their bodies and minds.
The link below will take you to the Application:
Click Here to apply to become a Health Messenger
