Athletes from across Europe Eurasia gathered in Dublin recently for the latest meeting of the Special Olympics Europe Eurasia Athlete Input Council (AIC). This group allows athletes to raise their voices, and provide guidance on the development of Special Olympics as a movement.
There was a gaggle of activity, hugs and high fives in the hotel lobby as athletes from Austria, Belgium, Great Britain, Hungary, Ireland, the Netherlands and Russia arrived. Two days of intensive discussion, feedback and training lay ahead of these athlete leaders and their mentors!
Lize Weerdenburg, an athlete leader from the Netherlands, described how the Council empowers athletes: “We are learning skills and discussing issues like what makes a good leader, what is a good presentation and how we can involve more athletes in organisation.”
The input gathered at the AIC feeds into Special Olympics strategy and planning discussions. The next meeting of the Council takes place October in Montenegro.