Athlete Leadership University

Special Olympics Indiana’s foundational program is Athlete Leadership University, which meets two weekends per year (Fall and Spring). Starting with the “Introduction to Athlete Leadership” course, athletes learn about Special Olympics, create a personal mission statement, and plan how they can lead in the organization.

Athletes then select one of seven majors (Communication, Events, Governance, Health and Fitness, Sports, Technology, and Leadership through Visual Arts) to pursue. Each major consists of a series of courses leading to graduation two to three years later. Following each class session, an athlete must complete a practicum related to the course topic. Review our Handbook for Athlete Leaders for more details on Athlete Leadership University and the curriculum.

All practicums from Spring 2022 Session are due by September 12, 2022. Practicums turned in after this date may not receive credit for the course.

Fall 2022 Session

Saturday, October 8 & Sunday, October 9

Fall 2022 Courses

Core Course: Introduction to Athlete Leadership
Technology: Digital Media
Technology: Internet Communications/PowerPoint
Events: Event Management (must have completed Event Planning)
Communications: Global Messenger I
Governance: Boards and Committees
Health & Fitness: Health Advocates (must have completed Introduction to Health & Fitness)
Sports: Training Fundamentals (must have completed Principles of Coaching)
Visual Arts: Leadership Through Visual Arts I
Core Course: Leadership Capstone

Note: Understanding Leadership is not offered in fall.

Contact Elesia Yoon with any questions.

Registration for Fall ALU is August 15 through September 5, 2022.

General Information

Graduates of Athlete Leadership University become members of the Special Olympics Indiana Athlete Leadership University Alumni Association. This special group of athlete leaders promotes the organization through numerous leadership roles in various projects and management teams. The association newsletter, ALPs Alumnus, is publish quarterly. For more information, contact the association at ALPsAlumni@gmail.com.

*Area and County Programs that seek to involve athletes in leadership roles are required to attend a two-hour certification session.

ALU Partners: