Global Messengers are Special Olympics athletes who help spread the message and vision of the movement as well as the benefits they have gained by participating in Special Olympics. As leaders and message-bearers of the movement, Global Messengers communicate the powerful declarations of hope, acceptance, dignity and courage of Special Olympics athletes around the world. Only athletes can effectively relate the impact that the movement has had on their lives and the lives of their families. The Sargent Shriver Global Messenger program, as part of Special Olympics Athlete Leadership Programs (ALPs), offers public speaking and presentation skills training to athletes interested in representing the movement. Every two years, 12 athletes are selected to train through the Sargent Shriver International Global Messenger program and serve as primary spokespeople on behalf of Special Olympics, appearing in national and international media outlets and delivering addresses before large audiences. The Global Messengers come from around the globe, reflecting the scope and reach of the movement, and have proven to be the movement's most effective spokespersons. Through their appearances in the media and in speeches to civic and business groups, the Global Messengers carry forth the themes that are most important to athletes in Special Olympics Programs around the world. These are the stories of the 2004-2006 Sargent Shriver Global Messengers.