Special Olympics Great Britain athlete and outgoing Chair of the Athlete Leadership Team Ian Harper has been named in a prestigious list of Learning Disability and Autism Leaders by Dimensions; the national organisation that provides personalised social care services for people with learning disabilities and autism.

The Learning Disability and Autism Leaders’ List seeks to recognise a selected number of autistic people and people with learning disabilities who are taking a lead in their lives and making things better for themselves and others.

Commenting on his award, Ian said: “I was already so happy when I received the email that I had been shortlisted as a finalist – I thought even if I didn’t get a win, it would be nice to get some recognition of all the work that I’ve put in over the years. It has honestly doesn’t feel real yet, but it just shows that hard work pays off.”

Ian grew up in Stourport and he was introduced to athletics as a 13-year-old, subsequently joining Special Olympics Worcestershire in 2000. He won his first Gold Medal for the 200 metres at the Special Olympics GB National Games in Glasgow in 2005, which he followed up at the European Games in Prague later that year. Ian won further Special Olympics GB National Games Golds for the 100 metres in Leicester in 2009 and for shot put in Bath in 2013.

In 2017, Ian was elected Chair of the newly formed Athlete Leadership Team, which was created to ensure that the views of all 6,500 athletes are always represented in major decisions made by Special Olympics GB, whether at local club or National Office level. 

He will stand down from the role in January after his instrumental part in developing the group. However, he will continue as a Sargent Shriver International Global Messenger, where he is part of a group of 10 athletes from around the world who represent Special Olympics in challenging the mindsets of political leaders, policy makers, educators, employers, and wider society.

“Ian is an incredibly determined character and everyone at Special Olympics GB has a debt of gratitude to him for the way in which he has developed the Athlete Leadership Team,” said Tom Casson, Business Development Manager (Enterprise and Leadership) at Special Olympics GB.

“He showed exemplary leadership throughout the last five years in advancing a new concept, which might have folded without his stubbornness and determination. It’s now developed into a group that many of our athletes want to be part of, which is a reflection of his hard work. 

“We’re very proud of everything that he does and are grateful to Dimensions for recognising him with this award.”