Youth Leaders Educating others About Disabilities, or Y-LEAD, is an opportunity for youth from all over the state of Georgia to learn vital leadership skills. Training occurs once a year at the Inspire Youth Forum where those youth chosen to participate in Y-LEAD get to experience team building, leadership training, educational sessions, and participation in activities with Special Olympic athletes, staff and volunteers. The Youth Forum is geared to give Y-LEAD members the leadership development they need to take back to their local area. It is also designed to give them the opportunity to interact with athletes all through the week and put their leadership training into immediate practice.
After the Youth Forum, the Y-LEAD members partner with the Unified Champion Schools Program Manager and school systems in their local areas to promote Special Olympics participation and inclusion on all levels on and off the competition field. The Y-LEAD program is a vital component in bridging the gap between those with and without intellectual disabilities.
Below is the application to become one of our incredible Y-LEAD members at The Inspire Youth Forum:
Due to the COVID-19 Virus, the 2021 Youth Forum has been cancelled. Please check back later for registration information for the 2022 Youth Forum.
Coming soon the 2022 Youth Forum Flyer
Coming soon the 2022 Youth Forum Application
Coming soon the 2022 Youth Forum Medical Information Form
For more info and to subscribe to YLEAD and IYL emails, go to https://www.sogaucs.com/ylead
Volunteer / Unified Partner Profile Form
Scroll below to see pictures and video from Youth Forum 2019!
Click here to view the 2019 Youth Forum Video!
The Special Olympics North America Digital Youth Summit: Inclusion in Action is almost three weeks away! This event, happening on May 7, 2021 from 5:00-7:00pm EST, is organized into two parts:
At 5:00pm EST, tune into the Summit Livestream on the Generation Unified YouTube channel. U.S. Youth Ambassadors and celebrities will be there to discuss all things Unified.
At 6:00pm EST, join our live Zoom Reception! The Zoom reception features a Q&A panel featuring KPMG executives and Special Olympics professionals with an opportunity for you to network and collaborate with youth around the nation. We’d love to see you there!
REMEMBER: In order to attend the Zoom reception, you’ll need to complete the 4 Foundational Youth Leadership Trainings (click here if you are in high school and here if you are in middle school). After you watch each training, you will receive an exit ticket. Once you receive your exit ticket, you can register for the Zoom reception by clicking here.
Complete the trainings and register for the Zoom reception by May 3rd to secure your spot.