Fredrika secures prestigious position with Special Olympics GB

Local table tennis player Fredrika Karlsson has been appointed in a prestigious role at Special Olympics Great Britain (GB) to represent the voices of thousands of athletes with an intellectual (learning) disability.

Fredrika, who lives in Barnstaple and is part of Special Olympics North Devon club, is one of seven new members appointed to Special Olympics GB’s Athlete Leadership Team, which regularly consults with the charity’s National Office, brings forwards the opinions and thoughts of fellow athletes, and acts as ambassadors for the movement.

Special Olympics GB uses the power of sport to transform the lives of people with an intellectual disability. Last year Fredrika competed in the table tennis competition at the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin and she regularly competes in tournaments across the country.

“Being part of Special Olympics GB has helped improve my confidence and it has given me the opportunity to engage with lots of new people,” said Fredrika. “In addition to so many great moments competing, I have made new friends, taken part in business challenges and have gained skills that I can transfer and build on in my career.Top of FormBottom of Form

“I’m proud to be appointed as a member of the Athlete Leadership Team and want to use my own experiences to demonstrate how those of us with an intellectual disability can overcome barriers and follow our dreams.”

Fredrika, and the other appointed members of the Special Olympics GB Athlete Leadership Team, will officially start her new role from 1 January 2025.

Each member of the Athlete Leadership Team serves a four-year term and, after two years, they have an opportunity to stand as Chair or Vice Chair, in a democratic process. This sees all Special Olympics GB athletes who have completed the six-month Athlete Leadership development and training programme, which is funded through the ICAP Charity Day, vote on who will be the nominated leader.

“We had some fantastic applications through the Athlete Leadership Team recruitment process and we’re delighted to welcome these seven new members to the group,” said Katie Day, Chair of the Special Olympics GB Athlete Leadership Team.

"It’s a great honour to join the Athlete Leadership Team and our new members should all feel proud of their achievement.

“I’m very proud to have served as Chair as the Athlete Leadership Team for the last two years and to have been a founder member of the group. My advice for all athletes is to be yourself and remember that you can all make a difference. Good luck and enjoy your athlete leadership experience.”

Members of Special Olympics GB’s Athlete Leadership Team can also apply for further leadership roles and to represent the voice of athletes at international level. Outgoing Athlete Leadership Team member Kiera Byland BEM has a role as Chair of the Global Athlete Congress and is a board member of Special Olympics International. Niall Guite is part of the Special Olympics Europe Eurasia Regional Athlete Leadership Council.