Sweeney Participates in Special Olympics Leadership Academy Panel

Camden – Senate President Steve Sweeney participated in a panel on leadership, organizational culture and sustainability hosted by the Special Olympics Leadership Academy. The panel of 25 included CEOs, athletes and board members who are all working to support athletic programs for those with disabilities.

“The Leadership Academy is another example of the Special Olympics providing opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities all around the world,” said Senator Sweeney (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland). “It is incredibly meaningful for kids with special needs to be told they can be a leader, but to give them the tools they need to actually become a leader is life changing. I am in awe of the ever growing scope of the Special Olympics and forever grateful for their passion and dedication to this cause.”

The panel aimed at providing honest, ‘real-life’ perspectives on what is required of leaders, what challenges them, how they’ve built effective organizational cultures, and what leadership lessons the panelists have learned through their various careers and experiences to date.  The session followed several training sessions on these topics.

“We truly appreciate the Senate President taking the time to talk to our leaders today,” said Heather Bell Andersen, President and CEO of Special Olympics New Jersey. “He has been a strong advocate for the special needs community since he first got into public office and we are always grateful to have him at our events.”

The Special Olympics Leadership Academy is aimed at building the knowledge and capacity of Special Olympics leaders all over the world.  It comprises a series of workshops and online learning on a range of leadership topics, facilitated by our funders, partners and sponsors including Lions Club international, International Coach Federation Foundation, Skillsoft, Ken Blanchard Companies and SHL.