b'Athlete Leadership ProgrammeSpecial Olympics New Zealand nurtures leadership potential in people of all abilities through our Athlete Leadership Programme.Our leadership work with athletes starts in culminates with a graduation at Parliament sport by teaching life skills such as discipline where each athlete can stand up to presentWe have learnt that our ideas andand teamwork. This programme then helpstheir story and find their voice. opinions are as important as everyone elses athletes develop confidence and skills toand that we deserve to be listened to.respond positively and proactively to issues Athlete Leaders speak across the countryat functions and to community groups aboutchrissa pearceathlete leaderthat are important to someone with anintellectual disability, Special Olympics, graduation 2020intellectual disability.and their experiences. The Leadership Programme provides in-depth coaching with each athlete to fully developTo date, 71 Athlete Leaders have graduated from their capability. There are many aspects ofthis programme. With further support, Theprogrammehas given me the human interaction that you or I might takethis programme would change more lives motivation and confidence to take the next for granted, but someone with an intellectualand grow more leaders.step. I have learnt about how to put together disability needs to be taught. For example,a speech and speaking in front of people. the importance of body language, eye contactI want to share my story in the community and introducing yourself. The programmehoping it will encourage others like myself to reach their goals and make their dreams come true.shanae deanathlete leadergraduation 2020'