What are SO-ALPs Programs?
Special Olympics-Athlete Leadership Programs (SO-ALPs) allow athletes to explore opportunities in roles previously considered "non-traditional." Such participation might come in the form of an athlete serving on the Board of Directors or local organizing committee; or it might find an athlete as a spokesperson, team captain, coach or official. Participation in ALPs may be in addition to or in place of participation in traditional programs.

A program or initiative could be considered an ALP if it:

• Allows athletes to choose how they will participate (i.e. selecting their sport of deciding to become a coach), or
• Encourages athletes to serve in meaningful leadership roles other than or in addition to that of "competitor", or
• Provides training for existing leadership as they welcome and encourage athletes in these new roles.

SO-ALPs Ideas
Below are some initiatives that Special Olympics Programs have already instituted. Many may already be occurring in your local Special Olympics programs!

• Athletes on the Program Boards of Directors
• Athletes on Board Committees
• Athletes on Local/Area Committees
• Athletes on Games Management Teams
• Athletes on Games Evaluation Teams
• Global Messenger Training
• Athlete Congress or Input Councils
• Athlete sessions at Leadership Conferences
• Athletes as Coaches
• Athletes as Officials
• Athletes as Volunteers
• Athletes as Donors
• Athletes employed by Special Olympics
• Athletes as contributors to newsletters

Athletes with mental retardation who participate in Unified Sports may or may not be involved in the local Special Olympics programs. Athletes without mental retardation can be recruited from schools, corporations, civic groups, or other community organizations. These athletes must be of comparable age and skill level with the athletes with mental retardation who participate in the program.

Unified Sportsteams are coached by volunteer coaches who may attend a Special Olympics Training School in the appropriate sport. Teams participate in Unified Sports divisions at Special Olympics local, State, National, and World Games.