Downingtown resident Jack Founds was one of 15 athlete-leaders honored by Special Olympics Pennsylvania for receiving a degree in Communication, Governance, Health, and/or Sport upon successful completion of the Athlete Leadership University.

Founds and the other athletes were recently honored at SOPA’s annual Leadership Conference Banquet in State College.

Pursuing a degree through Athlete Leadership University is the same as pursuing one at any other university. First, an athlete declares a major and enrolls in an introductory course. Following the completion of the introductory course, the athlete then receives a certificate of course completion. Following the completion of a practicum, advanced coursework, and a graduation practicum, the athlete is eligible to receive his or her diploma.

This program empowers athletes to become leaders in their local community, engaging in public speaking roles at local events, educating teammates about the importance of a healthy lifestyle, and relaying important information from their local programs to the state office and beyond.

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