With Special Olympics BC’s 2023-24 sport and program season underway, there are opportunities for SOBC athletes to get involved in Athlete Leadership programs to share their inspiring voices in their communities.
Special Olympics BC Athlete Leadership courses help athletes develop new skills, confidence, and tools to share their own insights, stories, and sport knowledge. Athlete leaders make a big difference in their communities and throughout the Special Olympics movement!
SOBC athlete leaders guiding the movement
SOBC – Surrey athlete Susan Wang has been deeply involved in Athlete Leadership over the years. She is a valued voice in important roles provincially and nationally.
Wang is a member of Special Olympics Canada’s Board of Directors, providing insightful leadership at the highest level of governance.
As a member of the Board of Directors, Wang is grateful to be a part of a group that shares the common goal of building inclusion through Special Olympics.
“It means so much for me to be a part of SOC’s Board of Directors. Not only does it allow me to voice my opinions on a national level, but it also enables me to meet and engage with people on a higher basis who are passionate about making this organization even better than what it already is,” she says.
Wang is also part of the Canadian Athlete Leadership Council, which is a group of experienced athlete leaders from each provincial and territorial chapter. In September, the CALC came together and had important discussions on athlete development, education, goals, and much more!
Being involved with Athlete Leadership has helped Wang develop the skills needed to be successful in these leadership roles.
“SOBC’s Athlete Leadership programs have definitely helped prepare me for taking on these important roles by increasing my confidence and knowledge of important leadership skills. It has been amazing to incorporate these skills into practice,” she says.
Athlete leaders are also sharing their impactful voices in communities across the province! Shoutout to SOBC – Fort St. John athlete and Health Messenger Andrea Conkin for creating an educational poster board on health and fitness!
So grateful to see Health Messengers like Andrea in action, as they play an important part in spreading awareness about wellness and advocating for the health needs of people with intellectual disabilities.
SOBC is currently assessing interest in Health Messengers to determine the availability of Health Messenger training in the coming months. If you are interested in becoming a Health Messenger, please let us know by clicking the button below!
SOBC Health Messenger Interest Form
Learn more about SOBC Health Messengers
Upcoming courses
The next SOBC Athlete Leadership course coming this fall is the return of Athlete Reporter training! This two-part training course is being held on Zoom on October 29 and November 5, both from 6:30 to 8 p.m. PT.
SOBC Athlete Reporters complete training on storytelling, technology use, and social media in order to help share Special Olympics voices and stories. Stay tuned for registration details for this course by checking out our event calendar and social media channels!
READ STORIES FROM SOBC ATHLETE REPORTERS
More Athlete Leadership courses are being planned for the coming months! SOBC athletes, if you are interested in becoming building your skills and sharing your story, please sign up for the Athlete Leadership Academy so you can be contacted about future courses and opportunities!
- Susan Wang
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GET INVOLVED IN ATHLETE LEADERSHIP