Press release:
Eleven Athletes Trained as Ambassadors at 2016 Special Olympics North Carolina Global Messenger Training
Raleigh, NC – Eleven Special Olympics athletes from across North Carolina became official spokespersons for the organization after they participated in the annual Global Messenger Training Program August 17 to 18 at the Special Olympics North Carolina headquarters in Morrisville, 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. In the 2-day training, athletes learn facts about Special Olympics and how to make an effective presentation. As part of the training, athletes created their first speech and presented it to the class.
As Global Messengers, Special Olympics athletes recruit other athletes and volunteers and give public education presentations that allow them to share the personal impact Special Olympics has had in their lives. SONC Vice President of Communications Rachel McQuiston of Apex, SONC Manager of Communications & Social Media Katie McGhee of Raleigh and SONC Athletes Roger Johnson of Greensboro and Kristine Hughes, SONC Athlete Leadership Manager, and Perry Flynn, a UNCG speech pathologist, of Greensboro served as 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 Rachel McQuiston at (919) 719-7662 ext. 110 or visit www.specialolympicsnc.com for a listing of Global Messengers throughout the state.
The following athletes are new Global Messengers for Special Olympics North Carolina:
Global Messenger Speech Coach/Mentor
Charles Butler of New Bern Lois Blanchard of New Bern
Paige Soderman of Asheville Christine Dupper of Arden
Mikey Sawick of Etowah Ken Witte of Etowah
Phillip Williamson of Kenly Aubrey Williamson of Kenly
Carolyn Sampson of Pisgah Forest Richard Sampson of Pisgah Forest
Reece Williams of Olin Kristin Kirk of Statesville
Nina Buckman of Washington Dierdre Tyner of Washington
Ethan Cassity of Wilkesboro James Cassity of Wilkesboro
Glendon Finley of Raleigh Jacob Hujar of Cary (Youth Speech Partner)
Anna Hopkins of Morehead City Vicky Hopkins of Morehead City
Desiree Dvoracek of Wilkesboro Darlene Dvoracek of Wilkesboro
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