Throughout North Carolina, Special Olympics athletes are stepping into meaningful leadership roles both on and off the field of play.
Special Olympics North Carolina athletes can serve in a variety of leadership roles. Click on the Athlete Leadership role to learn more about it:
Athlete Ambassadors act as representatives for Special Olympics NC at various functions to say thank you, assist with fundraising efforts and build awareness of the organizations.
To be an Athlete Ambassador, you must:
- Be an active, registered athlete can participate,
- Have a great attitude, and
- Be willing to serve as a good representative of SONC
Learn more here. Special Olympics athletes interested in becoming an Athlete Ambassador can apply here!
The Special Olympics North Carolina Athlete Council is made up of active Special Olympics athletes from across the state. These athletes meet quarterly to provide input to the President of Special Olympics North Carolina on issues in the movement.
Should you have any questions, contact Kristine Hughes.
2025 Special Olympics North Carolina Athlete Leadership Council
Chair
Dean Hall
Durham County
Vice Chair
Chase Stroud
Iredell County
Sergeant at Arms
Joel Watson
Gaston County
Secretary
Carrie Greenblatt
Lake Norman
Jonathan Bernstein
Mecklenburg County
Dennis Blair
Wake County
Nick Brodsky
Wake County
Trenton D’Agostino
Watauga County
Amanda Faggart
Cabarrus County
Lana Foster
Clay County
Shelby Hadas
Guilford County
Jacob Huffman
Gaston County
Jeffrey Jackson
Mecklenburg County
Matthew Novak
Cumberland County
Michelle Pratt
Onslow County
Darius Robinson
Cabarrus County
Lorenzo Stancil
Franklin County
Emmie Stanley
New Hanover County
Annie Tane
Orange County
Through the Global Messenger Program, athletes are trained to be spokespersons for Special Olympics. Global Messengers are ambassadors for the organization and can recruit potential athletes, volunteers and sponsors through public presentations.
To be considered for Global Messenger training, athletes must be active and registered with Special Olympics North Carolina. They must also work with their local coordinator to fill out the application when it is available.
To schedule a Global Messenger appearance, please contact Katie McGhee or contact the local program coordinator directly.
A Health Messenger is a Special Olympics athlete who has been trained to serve as a health and wellness leader, educator, advocate and role model within their Special Olympics communities and the community at large.
They may also lead and support their fellow teammates as they prepare for USA Games every four years. Their leadership helps the Special Olympics North Carolina team reach their health goals so they can compete at the highest level and live a healthy life.
To schedule a Health Messenger, please contact Vicki Tilley.
Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics North Carolina (NC LETR) Athlete Ambassadors assist in the managing, promoting, planning and coordinating the NC LETR activities throughout the state to benefit Special Olympics.
NC LETR Athlete Ambassadors
Robin Callaway
Mecklenburg County
Bryan Henry
Wake County
Dustin Edmondson
Guilford County
Stephanie Wilkerson
Davidson County
Cameron Wilson
Union County
Special Olympics athletes can become certified to serve as coaches and officials.
Special Olympics NC athletes serve on local committees, Games Management Teams and the SONC Board of Directors. Annie Tane, a Special Olympics Orange County athlete, currently serves as the vice chair on the SONC Board of Directors!
To learn more about athlete leadership opportunities in North Carolina, contact Kristine Hughes.
Unified Leadership
Unified Leadership teaches leaders of all abilities to value and learn from each other, and create environments where people with ID succeed in meaningful roles. SONC has athletes ready to conduct this 1.5 hour training for outside organizations either virtually or in-person. This training complements diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. Is your company interested in learning more? Contact Kristine Hughes.
Athlete Leaders:
If you watch this training, be sure to email Kristine Hughes so we can make note of your completion.
