Athlete Leadership Overview
Athlete Leadership Programs (ALPs) allow Special Olympic Colorado (SOCO) athletes to help shape the future of the Special Olympics movement and ensure all people with intellectual disabilities have the opportunity to participate in sports training and competition that is fun and fair. ALPs train athletes to serve in meaningful leadership roles other than or in addition to sports.
Goals of Athlete Leadership Programs:
- Allow athletes self-determination of how and in what roles they will participate in Special Olympics
- Provide athletes with the training and certification, where appropriate, to properly prepare them for success
- Include athletes in positions of influence and leadership throughout the organization to help determine policy and set direction.
- Provide training and education for existing leadership as we welcome and encourage athletes in their new roles
- Recognize athletes’ ability to contribute in these roles in a meaningful way by holding them accountable to all SOCO policies and rules
Athlete Leadership Program Catalog
Athlete Leadership Programs University (ALPs U)
presented by Ent Credit Union
Save the Date!
Sunday, April 11 – Spring Semester Virtual ALPs U
Sunday, September 19 – Fall Semester ALPs U
Athlete Input Council
This council is a forum for athletes to report to other athletes and Program leaders what is happening in their areas, voice their opinions about important issues, and gain leadership training and experience. Each area should have representatives that sit on the Council for a two-year term. There will be quarterly meetings the week prior to the Colorado State Board meetings – March, June, September, and December.
Northeast Region Athlete Input Council
Special Olympics CO’s State Athlete Input Council (AIC) feels it is important to get more voices heard, and create more leadership opportunities for athletes in all regions and continue to create more meaningful roles for athletes across Colorado. Therefore, it is our goal to create a regional AIC in all four regions of Colorado. We are excited to start with the Northeast Region! We will soon follow with the other three regions; Denver, Southeast and Western Slope. Please feel free to email slevine@specialolympicsco.org for more information.
Timeline: Please submit your application no later than Monday, February 22.
Open Positions: 4 Northeast Regional Representatives
AIC FAQs
Upcoming Events
ALPs U Q&A Session
Do you have questions about this the spring semester of Virtual Athlete Leadership Programs University? Join Athlete Leadership & Family Services Manager, Stephanie Levine on Wednesday, March 24 at 5:30 p.m. for a Q&A to learn more about Athlete Leadership Programs and what ALPs U is all about! Please contact Athlete Leadership and Family […]
Find out more »Virtual Athlete Leadership Program University
Athlete Leadership Program University (ALPs U) presented by Ent Credit Union Sunday, April 11 9:00 AM - Opening Ceremonies 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM - Individual Courses via Zoom Virtual ALPs U has been adjusted to a half-day of virtual learning about leadership through various majors including Communications, Health/Fitness, or Governance. Each semester consists of […]
Find out more »ALPs U Fall Semester
Athlete Leadership Program University (ALPs U) presented by Ent Credit Union Athletes are encouraged to join us in learning about leadership through various majors including Communications, Health/Fitness, or Governance. Each semester consists of one day of learning focused on one course. All courses are catered to the needs of Special Olympics Colorado athletes, the needs […]
Find out more »Questions? Reach out!

Stephanie Levine
Athlete Leadership & Family Services Coordinator
(720) 359-3113
Email