BERLIN, GERMANY (June 2023) Blanchard Institute was honored to deliver our Student Self Leadership program at the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, Germany, for their Global Athlete Congress.  

With the help of interpreters, Peter Brent and Pam Kemp provided leadership training in English, Mandarin, Arabic, French, Spanish, and German to 150 athlete leaders from North America, Asia Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and East Asia.  

The slogan of this year’s Congress was “Leading Together,” reflecting the goal to create a society in which people with and without intellectual disabilities, both inside and outside the Special Olympics movement, will lead together in all aspects of society.  

By developing skills such as asking for what they need and challenging limiting beliefs, Congress members can articulate their perspectives, voice their concerns, and champion initiatives that address the unique challenges faced by individuals with intellectual disabilities. This self-advocacy will lead to greater inclusion and improved support systems for athletes within the Special Olympics movement.