2 weeks Ago
A golfer has been appointed to a prestigious role at Special Olympics Great Britain. Warren Clark, from North Baddesley, will join the Athlete Leadership Team, representing the voices of thousands of athletes with an intellectual disability. Diagnosed with autism, ADHD, and an intellectual disability as a child, Warren is one of seven new members of the leadership team.
The team regularly consults with the charity’s national office, brings forward the opinions and thoughts of fellow athletes, and acts as ambassadors for the movement. Warren has been a part of the Special Olympics movement for 14 years, leveraging the transformative power of sport for people with an intellectual disability. He won a gold medal in the golf competition at the 2019 Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi.
He also developed his own charity, Warren Clark Golfing Dreams, which provides golfing opportunities to disabled and disadvantaged individuals and groups. Warren and the other appointed members of the Athlete Leadership Team will officially start their new roles on January 1, 2025. Mr Warren said: "I’ve been fortunate to experience so many great things as an athlete with Special Olympics GB.
Given my experiences, I want to give back and support others. "I’m proud to be appointed as a member of the Athlete Leadership Team and I want to use my own experiences to demonstrate how those of us with an intellectual disability can overcome barriers and follow our dreams." Each member serves a four-year term.
After two years, members have the opportunity to stand as chair or vice chair in a democratic process. Members of the Athlete Leadership Team can also apply for further leadership roles and represent the voice of athletes at an international level. Outgoing member Kiera Byland BEM serves as chair of the Global Athlete Congress and is a board member of Special Olympics International.
Niall Guite is part of the Special Olympics Europe Eurasia Regional Athlete Leadership Council..
