Athlete Leadership exists to empower athletes to develop leadership skills and utilize their voices to assume meaningful leadership roles, influence change in the Special Olympics movement, and educate communities around the world that results in positive life changes.
ALPs University
Our Athlete Leadership Program classes are now being offered through a University style weekend. During this weekend, athletes will be able to select a specific leadership course related to an area of interest. Athletes will learn, develop skills, and apply their knowledge in their teams and communities to benefit everyone. General sessions, guest speakers, incentive items, all meals, and elective courses will be included as well.
Never taken an Athlete Leadership course before? No problem! ALPs University is open to any Special Olympics athlete and their Unified Partner of choice.
2020 TBD
Athlete Input Council
The Athlete Input Council provides input to the State Office on a variety of subjects. Members develop recommendations for Special Olympics Minnesota and respond to proposals from other parts of the organization.
If you are interested in participating in the Athlete Input Council at Winter, Summer or Fall Games, please RSVP to nell.coonen-korte@somn.org.
Leadership Reporting
Special Olympics MN is now using the President’s Volunteer Service Award Program to now recognize all Athletes and Unified Partners for their volunteer work within the Special Olympics movement and in their communities. Awards will be given out on a 12-month basis starting with your first entry.
If you are interested in this program fill out this form:
Volunteer Hour Eligibility
- United States citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States (i.e., green card holder)
- Must be at least five years old
- Completes eligible service within a 12-month period (for annual Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards) and over a lifetime (for Lifetime Achievement Awards)
Eligible Service:
- Unpaid acts of volunteer service benefiting others
Eligible Service does not include:
- Donating funds
- Political lobbying (Non-partisan voter registration is an eligible activity)
- Religious instruction
- Conducting worship service
- Proselytizing
- Volunteer service performed as part of court-ordered community service
- Serving only family members
| Age Group | Bronze | Silver | Gold | Lifetime Achievement Award* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kids (5–10 years old) | 26–49 hours | 50–74 hours | 75+ hours | 4,000+ hours |
| Teens (11–15) | 50–74 hours | 75–99 hours | 100+ hours | 4,000+ hours |
| Young Adults (16–25) | 100–174 hours | 175–249 hours | 250+ hours | 4,000+ hours |
| Adults (26+) | 100–249 hours | 250–499 hours | 500+ hours | 4,000+ hours |
I absolutely love being a part of the Athlete Leadership program, it gives me a chance to have my voice heard, utilize my leadership skills to spread the message of Special Olympics MN. It also gives me a chance to give back to Special Olympics. I have discovered my passion for Public Speaking through being involved in the ALP’s program.
Through ALPs, I have done things that I would never have dreamed of getting to do. To name a few, I have made Public Service Announcements and plunged with sports celebrities and executives, I have had fun with pro team mascots at different events, and I have even done a television interview. My newest endeavor is helping to start our Athlete Input Council. ALPs has helped me dream big and build my confidence.
CONTACT
Nick Cedergren | Schools & Leadership Manager
nick.cedergren@somn.org | 763.270.7177