Get Involved

• Get Involved
• Volunteers
• Coaches
• Athletes
• Donate/Sponsors
• Special Programs
• Unified Sports
• Global Messengers
• Volunteer to Cheer
• Healthy Athletes
• Motor Activites Training Program (MATP)
• Young Athletes
• Little Feet Meet
• Urban Programs

Global Messengers

No one shares the Special Olympics story better than the athletes.

The Global Messenger program offers public speaking and presentation skills training to Special Olympics athletes who in turn share their powerful declarations of hope, acceptance, dignity and courage with the rest of the community. Thanks to the Global Messenger training program, our athletes are empowered to share, in their own words, what’s so special about Special Olympics.

Every two years, Special Olympics Virginia inducts a new class of Global Messengers; the first was launched in 2005. In Virginia, Global Messengers have given speeches to school, corporate and community groups across the Commonwealth and have assisted with numerous fundraisers and Opening Ceremonies.

The Global Messenger program is an integral part of the Special Olympics Athlete Leadership Program, which allows athletes opportunities for greater participation as coaches, officials, team captains, spokespeople and Board and committee members.

Invite a Special Olympics Virginia Global Messenger to speak to your school, civic group, business, church or at other venues and events. To book a Global Messenger or to find out more about how to become either a Global Messenger or mentor, e-mail Dave Pawlowski, Vice President of Program, or call him at 804.726.3034 or 800.932.4653 x 3034.