Volunteers are the backbone of the Special Olympics movement. They are coaches, trainers, officials, event organizers, fundraisers, and event volunteers. They can also be unified partners – playing alongside athletes with intellectual disabilities – or fans cheering in the stands.
Click your region below to find opportunities to volunteer locally!
Our volunteers are of all ages and their commitments can range from an afternoon to a lifetime. They are helping to bring out the champion in every Special Olympics athlete.
Special Olympics would not exist today and could not have been created without the time, energy , commitment and enthusiasm of our volunteers. We owe so much to these members of our community who find the time to make the world a better place.
Special Olympics is about transforming lives, including your own. It’s about making your community and neighborhood a more welcoming and accepting place for people of all abilities.
We greatly appreciate the local coaches who work with athletes encouraging them to do their best, the photographers who take the most amazing pictures of our athletes in action, the volunteers that make our competitions possible, and the many others who are involved with SOAZ!
We have seen dramatic growth in teens and young adults volunteering with Special Olympics. These participants include students taking part in school-based groups like Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools.
Their enthusiasm, dedication, and creativity are hard to beat! Create lifelong friendships and find new ways of thinking about others.
With Special Olympics training, competitions, and other events happening 365 days a year, there is always something interesting to do!
Yes! Email Volunteer@SOAZ.org to reserve spots together and go over group registration options.
To be an Event Volunteer, one must be 14 or older to volunteer on their own. Youth ages 8-13 are welcome to volunteer but must be accompanied by an adult volunteer (youth groups must have one adult volunteer for every 4 youth volunteers). Those under 8 are welcome to join their families and cheer the athletes on, but will not be given a volunteer assignment and should not be counted in registration numbers.
Wear comfortable, weather appropriate clothing including close toe shoes. You will be given a volunteer t-shirt when you check in.
You are encouraged to bring a refillable water bottle and hat/glasses/sunscreen or any other sun protection. You are welcome to bring a snack if you would like. Those registered for 6+ hours of volunteering in a day will be provided lunch.
Class A volunteers fill roles that may have more direct contact with athletes or may handle money or sensitive information. They must go through online trainings and clear a criminal background check.
Event volunteers are not required to complete these trainings or screenings and are considered “Class B volunteers”.
