Volunteer

ABOUT OUR VOLUNTEERS

Special Olympics would not exist today - and could not have been created - without the time, energy, dedication, and commitment of the more than 500,000 Special Olympics volunteers. There are many ways you can become involved...and Inspire Greatness!

  • Serve as certified Special Olympics coaches.

  • Volunteer at a Special Olympics event.

  • Organize, coach or play on Unified Sports® teams.

  • Participate in one of our many fundraising events throughout the year.

  • Make financial or in-kind donations as individuals or through a business.

  • Conduct fundraising campaigns in schools or through a civic group, church, or other organization.

  • Name Special Olympics as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy, will, or employee payroll deduction.

  • Make donations of goods, services, or vital office supplies to local Special Olympics programs.

  • Encourage members of your civic groups to volunteer their professional services to Special Olympics programs and events.

TYPES OF VOLUNTEERS

Class A Volunteers

  • Volunteers who have regular, close physical contact with athletes

  • Volunteers in position of authority or supervision (real or perceived)

  • Volunteers in a position of trust with athletes

  • Coaches

  • Unified Partners

  • Chaperones

  • ALP's Mentors

  • Overnight Hosts

  • Drivers of Athletes

  • Volunteers who have administrative and/or fiscal authority who act on behalf of Special Olympics

  • Fundraising Event Committee Members

  • Games Management Team Members - State Program Board of Directors

  • Area/Regional Management Team Members

  • Minor (according to State Law) who have regular, close contact with athletes

  • Minor Unified Partners

  • Minor Peer Coaches

  • Minor Chaperones


These volunteers are required to submit a signed, completed and truthful Volunteer Application at least every three years. The information submitted will be used to complete a criminal records check, and where applicable, a motor vehicle records check. Background checks will be completed at no cost to our volunteers and will help ensure the safety of our athletes.

Class B Volunteers

  • Single day or single event or fundraising volunteers. Examples include "Day of Volunteers", i.e. timers, medical personnel.

  • Volunteers who have limited contact with athletes who are accompanied by coaches and chaperones

  • Volunteers who drive vehicles on behalf of Special Olympics not transporting athletes

  • Healthy Athlete volunteers

  • Minor (according to State Law) single day or single event or fundraising volunteers

  • Minor who has limited contact with athletes who are accompanied by coaches and chaperones


Class B volunteers must verify their identity via a photo ID upon arrival at the competition site. A formal application or background check is not required for these volunteers.