MaryKate Herrera

MaryKate Herrera of Powell was one of only 10 athletes across the world selected to participate in a virtual Special Olympics Global Health Messenger Training.

Herrera, 23, has been a member of the Special Olympics Wyoming Powell Masters team for two years and competes in bowling, basketball and swimming. She is a global messenger (public speaker) for Special Olympics Wyoming, a member of the Athlete Input Council and now an advocate of health for all athletes throughout the state.

The training started April 14 and involved two hour-long trainings a week for four weeks, attending sessions ranging from fitness to emotional health to how to be an advocate. Each week, she, athletes from around the world and their mentors worked collaboratively to complete homework assignments and start preparing for their practicum.

Now that Herrera has completed the training, her focus is to spread awareness to her fellow athletes, coaches and health professionals throughout the state.

Herrera is a true athlete leader, said Special Olympics Wyoming Director of Competition and Training Bobby Casey.

“Athletes like MaryKate inspire us to rise up and live life to the fullest,” Casey said. “The training as a Health Messenger is a perfect fit for her in advocating for her fellow athletes with Intellectual disabilities in regards to receiving and maintaining healthcare.”

When teams can practice again, Herrera will educate her fellow athletes on what she’s learned in hopes of showing how they can live a healthier life. She will also speak with health care professionals on the importance of proper treatment and access for people with intellectual disabilities and hopes to create awareness and help form health communities around the state.

Health messengers are critical to advocating for better health for people with intellectual disabilities, Special Olympics officials say. The Health Messenger training aims to teach:

• An understanding of the health of Special Olympics athletes and the different components of the Special Olympics health program;

• How to be healthy and a positive role model to others;

• Skills to help lead in the community and advocate for the health of people with intellectual disabilities;

• Skills to help others establish healthy lifestyles;

• How to best use their leadership skills for action; and

• How to lead Special Olympics athletes in health and fitness.

The program also aims to leave messengers feeling empowered.