Connaught athletes empower and inspire at the Athlete Leadership Forum

Eleven athletes from across the Connaught region attended the All Ireland Athlete Leadership Forum on Saturday 21 September in the Midlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise. 

The theme of the forum was ‘Empower yourself, inspire others’. Thanks to our very own Grace O’Brien from Globetrotters who delivered the closing address on behalf of all the athletes at the event. 

The athletes attended numerous workshops on the day, including:

First Aid Information 

Athletes who had completed the online theory piece via Zoom in advance of the forum went through an engaging practical session of first aid techniques including CPR, bandaging and wound care, and more. 

Preparing to be a Volunteer 

Athletes learned and engaged in discussion to gain an understanding of the varied reasons why people volunteer. They talked about their own motivations and received advice on looking for volunteering opportunities.

Fitness Captains

Athletes completed the practical component of their Fitness Captains training. Fitness Captains are athletes in a leadership role within their club, assisting with the warm ups/cool downs, and encouraging their fellow athletes to improve health and lifestyle habits. Athletes had completed the online theory piece via Zoom in advance of the forum. This session involved trying out a variety of warm up and cool down techniques, as athletes worked together with facilitators to devise movement variations accessible to all athletes.

Leadership in Sport 

The Leadership in Sport training workshop focused on inspirational leadership topics such as what makes a good leader in sport, identifying what type of leader you are and what type you want to be, self-care as a leader, and creating your personal leader action plan. 

Better Health Habits 

Athletes learned about making healthy choices in terms of activity, diet and lifestyle. This workshop helps athlete leaders to share useful health tips with teammates to inspire them to better their health and sporting lifestyle. 

Athlete Discussion 

This workshop was a facilitated athlete discussion. Engagement and feedback from athletes is key to the programme outcomes in Special Olympics Ireland. Feedback was gathered on the new Athlete Leadership pathway plans, qualifying cycle and other important current topics.  

Dental Screening

Athletes had the opportunity to avail of a dental screening and information as part of the Special Olympics Special Smiles Health Programme. This was run in conjunction with University College Cork.