In 1968, when Special Olympics began, the idea that people with intellectual disabilities could take part in Olympic-type sports training and athletic competition was considered “freethinking.” Today, it is common sense.

Some people still believe that the idea of Special Olympics athletes in full and meaningful participation in leadership positions in the movement is “freethinking” or tokenism. But at Special Olympics Hawaii, the “next age” has arrived. A quote from Matthew Arnold explains, “The freethinking of one age is the common sense of the next.”

Special Olympics Athlete Leadership Programs (ALPs) allow athletes to explore opportunities for participation in roles previously considered “non-traditional.” Through ALPs, athletes become leaders in their own program. The ALPs program is dedicated to the empowerment and dignity of the Special Olympics athletes.

For more information on specific ALPs initiatives, visit the links below.

- ALPs training
- Athletes on Board of Directors
- Athletes as Coaches
- Athletes as Officials
- Athlete Input Councils/Congress
- Athletes as Volunteers
- Global Messengers (Speakers)
- Athlete in Technology

Contact Information

Nip Ho, Vice President of Area Services
808-943-8808 ext. 23
program@specialolympicshawaii.org