Special Olympics Pennsylvania (SOPA) is empowering athletes with intellectual disabilities to be leaders in society by providing them opportunities to learn skills that transcend the playing field. Our athletes hold jobs, go to school, and are active members in their communities. SOPA trains athletes to be coaches, sports officials, members of Boards of Directors, public speakers and fundraisers, as well as encourages them to serve on committees and be self-advocates.

A series of programs are available which were created to get Special Olympics athletes involved in the movement. They are designed to help athletes participate meaningfully in the leadership of the organization and allow athletes to explore opportunities to participate in roles previously considered "non-traditional."

Athlete Leadership Opportunities Include:

• Global Messengers (trained as public speakers for Special Olympics)
• Athlete Representatives on Local Management Team
• Athletes on Local Program Committees
• Athletes on Games Management and Evaluation Teams
• Athlete Congress or Input Councils
• Athlete Sessions at Leadership Conference
• Athletes as Coaches
• Athletes as Officials
• Athletes as Volunteers
• Athletes as Donors
• Athletes as Contributors to Newsletters

For more information and details on clinics, contact your local program representative or contact our Norristown office at 1-800-235-9058.