Global Messengers

Athlete and Mentor Photoshoot
Our Global Messenger training program offers public speaking and presentation skills training to Special Olympics athletes. Thanks to this program, athletes who join our Global Messenger speakers bureau are empowered to share, in their own words, what’s so special about Special Olympics.

Global Messengers become community leaders who communicate powerful stories of hope, acceptance, dignity and courage around the world. They help spread our mission and vision, as well as encourage the community to participate in Special Olympics as an athlete, sponsor or volunteer. Global Messengers have given speeches to schools, corporate groups and community groups across the Commonwealth, and have assisted with numerous fundraisers and Opening Ceremonies.

Global Messengers Class of 2024

Every two years since 2005, we have recruited and trained a new class of Global Messengers. The 2024 Class of Global Messengers has 9 participants and 10 mentors. To get to know the current class of Global Messengers click on their names to read their bios.

Samantha Bondurant

Virginia Beach

Kaitlin Dykes

Chesapeake

Alexander Hansen

Falls Church

Grant Harris

Alexandria

Rose Reeder

Woodbridge

Nyelly Rivera

Chesapeake

Tiffany Robinson

Woodbridge

Jamie Spiering

Leesburg
Athlete speaking during the 2016 Opening Ceremony Game

Request a Global Messenger

Complete our request form to invite a Special Olympics Virginia Global Messenger to speak to your school, group, church, or at an event.

For business or corporate opportunities, please email Mattie FitzGerald at mfitzgerald@specialolympicsva.org

Are you a Current Global Messenger?

Please use this form to fill in all information on this form as soon as you can after an event. Any staff or Area volunteers who utilize Global Messengers should communicate with the Messenger/ Mentor team and assure that either the Messenger/Mentor Team or the staff/volunteer reports the activity.

Program Partner