2010 Global Messenger Class- Charlotte - Patrice Gladney, Jim Cowick, Garland Beaver and Sam Reid (back row); Rita Hipp, Todd Bass, Sydney LoPour, Leanne Webb and Erin Keeter (front row).

Raleigh, NC – Nine Special Olympics athletes from across North Carolina became official spokespersons for the organization after they participated in the annual Sargent Shriver Global Messenger Training Program Aug. 20-21 in Charlotte, according to SONC President Keith L. Fishburne.

The Global Messenger program is one of several athlete leadership programs offered by Special Olympics through which athletes have the opportunity to demonstrate leadership skills outside of sports.

As Global Messengers, Special Olympics athletes recruit other athletes and volunteers, give public speeches and serve as ambassadors for the organization. SONC Vice President of Communications, Megan O’Donnell of Cary and SONC Sr. Vice President of Finance and Resource Development, Olivia Laney of Raleigh and SONC Athlete Brian Farmer of Concord served as Global Messenger trainers.

Athletes were nominated to attend the training by Special Olympics North Carolina local program coordinators. Global Messengers are available to make presentations about Special Olympics in communities across the state. To schedule a speaker, contact the appropriate speech coach listed below or Megan O’Donnell at 919-818-4598 for a directory of other Global Messengers in your community.

The following athletes are new Global Messengers for Special Olympics North Carolina.