Special Olympics BC has teamed up with Special Olympics Manitoba to bring you Virtual Health Messenger Training! Starting on Tuesday, October 6 this empowering course for athletes will be held on Zoom every Tuesday for eight weeks. With limited space available please reserve your spot and register here.
This training will help Special Olympics athletes learn to serve as health and wellness leaders, educators, advocates, and role models within Special Olympics programs and communities. The tools and lessons learned in this training will empower athletes to advocate for the health needs of people with intellectual disabilities.
Each Health Messenger will have a mentor of their own choosing during the training. A mentor will attend every Health Messenger training session with the athlete. They will commit to working with the athlete and provide support as needed to complete their practicum. A mentor can be a family member, coach, SO staff member, or friend. Please confirm that your mentor is available for all sessions before submitting your application.
Objectives of the training - Health Messengers will:
- Understand how to live a healthy lifestyle and be a positive role model to others
- Learn about healthy activities that can be done at home or virtually
- Develop skills to help them lead in their community and advocate for the health of people with ID
- Develop skills to lead on their teams and in their communities to help others establish healthy lifestyles
- Think about how they can best use their leadership skills for action
- Leave feeling empowered to lead SO athletes in health and fitness
Practicum
Each Health Messenger is required to do one health and wellness-focused practicum (putting learning to practice!) in their communities or virtually within one year of receiving training, to demonstrate their leadership in health and wellness. Health Messengers should work with their mentor and local Program (Marlow de Paul) to complete their practicum. This will be explained further during the sessions.
If you have any questions regarding this virtual program you can contact Special Olympics BC Sport Coordinator Marlow de Paul by email at mdepaul@specialolympics.bc.ca or by phone at 604-737-3081.