Athlete Leadership Council (ALC)

Special Olympics Colorado
Athlete

Northeast Region Athlete Leadership Council Chair and Representative
Special Olympics Colorado
Athlete

Special Olympics Colorado
Athlete

Special Olympics Colorado
Athlete

Special Olympics Colorado
Athlete

Denver Region Athlete Leadership Council Chair and Representative
Special Olympics Colorado
Athlete

Denver Region Athlete Leadership Council Member - Ben Barnhart

Special Olympics Colorado
Athlete

Denver Region Athlete Leadership Council Member - Jared Carstensen

Special Olympics Colorado
Athlete

Denver Region Athlete Leadership Council Member - Rylan Krems

Special Olympics Colorado
Athlete

Denver Region Athlete Leadership Council Member - Kate Yonushewski

Special Olympics Colorado
Athlete

The western slope Athlete Leadership Council is seeking 4 athletes to sit on the council as representatives of all western slope athletes. This council will meet virtually 4 times a year to discuss regional and state events, new opportunities for the region, and make sure that athlete voices are heard. The chair of the council, Jeffrey Almond, sits on the state ALC which meets and then sends notes to the Board of Directors.

We ask that members who apply are interested in being a positive representation of Special Olympics Colorado, sitting in group discussions, and interested in sharing the voices of all athletes in their region, not just their own.

You must be graduated from high school to apply, able to use Zoom, and able to communicate through phone and email. The application will be open from September 5-22.

Applications are open until Septmeber 22.

Athlete who sits on State Board must fill one (1) spot on the council
Athlete who is tapped from the Youth Activation Committee (YAC) must fill one (1) spot on the council
There must be four (4) athletes each representing their region
Athletes must be prepared to sit on the council for 2 years
Attend 75% of yearly meetings (at least 3)
Active participant in Special Olympics Colorado Programs: not only an athlete but also a participant in at least 1 other aspect of programming such as leadership, volunteering, coaching, health, etc.

Be willing to speak or present to groups of people about Special Olympics
Athlete must be able to communicate effectively. They should demonstrate adequate expressive and receptive language skills. This can include non-verbal communication methods.
Athlete should demonstrate appropriate behaviors; i.e. gets along with others, has positive outlook, is dependable, demonstrates polite behaviors, and good sportsmanship.
Willing to help out when needed and motivate others
Athlete must be over 18, or no longer attending high school (excluding Youth Activation Committee Liaison)
Once term is up, athlete will attend one more meeting to transition new member that will replace their position

NOTE: If selected athlete fails to meet the qualifications and requirements as outlined above, they are subject to removal from their position.

Youth Activation Committee (YAC) representative will be nominated by the staff member overseeing the YAC at the time. All other members will follow steps outlined below:

Athlete leadership manager will announce open position
Allow two-week time period for nominations
Convene committee to review the applications
Committee will consist of 2-3 SOCO staff members in addition to the athlete leadership coordinator. Members may include CEO, Regional Managers, or other staff whom interact with athletes closely.
Member chosen and announced prior to next meeting

Applicants may self-nominate, and we HIGHLY RECOMMEND having a reference letter from a coach and/or Regional Manager. In order to apply for an open position, you MUST compete in the region you are applying to represent. (I.e. a Denver athlete cannot fill the role of the Western Slope representative)

Athletes who are interested in serving on the Athlete Leadership Council in the future should alert their Regional Manager and / or Stephanie Lauchmen.

Why are we adding four more ALCs?

The members of the state ALC wanted to create more positions for athlete leaders and get more representation of athletes around the state.

What is the Northeast Regional ALC?

The Northeast Regional ALC is like the state ALC but just for athletes who compete in the Northeast region. We are looking for 4 members.

How is it different than the State ALC?

They will only discuss things that affect the northeast region, and then their State ALC member, and chair, will bring their information to our state ALC meeting.

How can I get involved?

As an athlete, you can fill out the application when new positions are available! You must be over 18, or no longer in high school, and compete in the northeast region.

September 2023 Change Makers

Inclusion Report September 22, 2023