Become a Special Olympics Family Leader Through my sons...I have learned what is important in life. Through my sons...I have made wonderful friends who see me       for what I am. Through my sons...I have become part of the       Family Support Network. Through my sons...I feel that I am making a contribution to society. Through my sons...I have been blessed.           — Patricia Hickey, Global Family Leader, Ireland The Vision of Special Olympics Family Leaders is to foster the development of Special Olympics family programming throughout your country, throughout your region and throughout the world; carry the torch of family leadership and support with the same respect and enthusiasm with which athletes compete; share your experiences as a family member with others to make families one of the strongest pillars supporting the Special Olympics movement; and promote the development of the Family Support Network throughout the world. Special Olympics recognizes that family members of present and future Special Olympics athletes are valuable and have an important role to play in the movement. Special Olympics: Honors families as an integral member of the Special Olympics community Recognizes family contributions at all levels of the movement Supports and links families and resources Empowers family voices of leadership Ways to Get Involved There are many ways for you and your family to become involved in a leadership role with Special Olympics, including: Lead as a Family Coach Lead as a Family Volunteer Lead as a Special Olympics Advocate Lead as a Fundraiser Lead on a local committee or Board Lead by organizing social gatherings for athletes and families Join the Special Olympics family of leaders. For more information, resources or support, please contact your state/provincial or national Special Olympics Program. To locate a Program near you, use our Program Locator.