How to get involved with the Athlete Leadership Programme (ALPs)

Join your local ALPs Group
In your local community
Getting involved in your Region

Join a Local ALPs Group

When there are a few athletes in a Special Olympics Club or in a particular area that want to get more involved in ALPs, they have the option of getting involved in their own ALPs Group.  Being part of an ALPs Group means that athletes have the opportunity to meet on a regular basis, can work in teams rather than on their own and have extra support when doing awards.

Many Special Olympics Clubs run ALPs groups for their athletes as a part of their club, giving their athletes a chance to get involved in more than just sport.  The ALPs Group can work with the club in supporting it’s activities, helping out the club and giving the athletes new experiences. 

There are lots of things that ALPs Groups can do, including:
• Volunteering in the club
• Nominating the Athlete Representative for the club committee
• Helping with club fundraising activities
• Organising social events for other athletes
• Putting together a club newsletter
• Public Relations and promotion of the club

In your local Community

If it is not possible to set up an ALPs group within your club, athletes can come together in their community to set up a stand-alone ALPs Group, with lots of ideas for what they can do:
• Supporting local Special Olympics Clubs
• Volunteering in local clubs, Special Olympics events or in the local community
• Helping with local or regional fundraising activities
• Putting together newsletter for local area
• Public Relations and promotion of Special Olympics in their area.

To get more information on existing ALPs Groups in your area or to get help for setting up an ALPs Group, get in contact with your regional office.

Getting involved in your Region

Workshops:
All regions hold a number of ALPs workshops every year that offer a mix of training, learning, experience and great fun.  Workshops can cover many topics, including public speaking and presentation skills, photography workshops to name but a few.  If you want to find out more, get in touch with your regional office

Regional ALPs Team:
Regional ALPs Teams are made up of athletes that are elected by the ALPs athletes within their region.  Regional ALPs teams meet a minimum of 3 times per year serving a two year term, with the option of a second term.  Their activities include forming a committee, undertaking further training and giving their opinion on developments within both ALPs and the organisation as a whole.  The team acts in an ambassador role for the athletes of the region.

To find out more about the ALPs team in your region, please contact your regional office