Athletes as Coaches
Many Special Olympics athletes report that after years of being coached and competing in a given sport, they have a grasp on the fundamentals of the sport and they might be able to teach that sport to other athletes. Sometimes they become assistant coaches, sometimes they just become the athlete that the coach knows he or she can call on to demonstrate a skill.
After years of participating in the same sports, many athletes feel they are ready for new activities and challenges. Allowing athletes the option to formally move into coaching, gives them an opportunity to continue their involvement with Special Olympics in a new and demanding way.
Athletes as coaches also provide a new source of reliable volunteers to help expand program offerings in sports that the athletes are most interested in.
How can athletes as coaches help a Special Olympics Program?
When communities and other athletes see Special Olympics athletes stepping up to Assistant Coach and Head Coach roles, they see Special Olympics as inclusive and cutting edge. When athletes see an opportunity to grow and take on new roles, they are more excited and engaged in Special Olympics.
An Athletes as Coaches Workshop is available from Special Olympics free of charge.
For more information on specific ALPs initiatives, visit the links below:
Return to ALPs Home
Contact Information
Jamie Lazaroff, Athlete Leadership Program Assistant
(860) 779-0761 or JamieL@soct.org
Laura Gremelsbacker, Director of Public Relations
(203) 230.2101 x240 or LauraG@SOCT.org
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