Special Olympics Idaho is proud to announce the Global Messenger Class of 2010! 
In October 12 athletes from around Idaho came to Boise with their mentors to attend an Athlete Leadership Program (ALPs) training facilitated by Kathryn Clark, Director of Athlete Leadership Programs for Special Olympics International. ALPs allow athletes to explore opportunities for participation in roles previously considered “non-traditional.”  Through ALPs, athletes serve on Board of Directors or local organizing committees.  Athletes excel as spokespersons, team captains, coaches and officials. 
The first portion of the weekend was spent in Governance Training which prepares athletes to participate in Special Olympics programming and policy dialogue via instruction and practice in forming and articulating opinions, group discussion and techniques for gathering input.  Equally important is the enhancement of awareness and listening skills of volunteers, staff and family members as they interact with athletes during this training. Athletes from this program will help serve on local organizing committees such as Law Enforcement Torch Run Council, Sports Management Teams and Games Management Teams. 
The rest of the training was spent helping athletes perfect their public speaking skills through Global Messenger.  Global Messengers are Special Olympics athletes who are formally trained in public speaking and media interview techniques, in order to help spread the word about Special Olympics, educate the community, and recruit potential athletes, volunteers, families and sponsors.

The Global Messenger and Governance training is offered once a year and athletes and mentors interested must meet set criteria.

Anyone interested in having a Global Messenger come speak to their civic group, business, group home, school or anywhere else should contact Shanna Endow at sendow@idso.org.  Congratulations Class of 2010!