Become a Volunteer Leader

Aug 14, 2024 Update 

The new Volunteer Portal has launched!  

• Step 1: Visit https://portals.specialolympics.org  
• Step 2: Click “Create an account” which will walk you through profile creation 
• Step 3: Enter the Volunteer Portal homepage 
  • Apply for volunteer roles below under Do More with Special Olympics (find more specifics of when and where under Sign Up for An Event) 
  • Have other skills and talents you’d like to share? Let us know about your interests, skills, and talents under My Checklist > Add Your Skills so program staff can help match you 
  • Resources: FAQs | Create an Account  
    • Office Hours (Every Monday at 12PM ] 6PM)  
    • Volunteer Community Webinar (Every 3rd Tuesday at 12PM | 6PM) 

Becoming a Volunteer Leader means you will have the opportunity to work directly with our athletes and staff to execute Special Olympics Washington’s signature events, competitions, and programs. Volunteer leadership roles include coaching, Program Leadership, Games Management, and more!  

Volunteer Leader Roles  

• Coach, Assistant Coach, Program Coordinator, or Sport Volunteer/Chaperone: Run a Special Olympics Washington sport program for athletes at the local level. Organize practices for athletes, coordinate program registration, and attend SOWA’s regional and state competitions.  
• Program Leadership: Provide oversight of Special Olympics Washington’s programs and initiatives at the area level. Ensure SOWA is reflective of local/regional needs, provide guidance and coordination support to local SOWA sport programs.  
• Games Management Team (GMT): Provide planning and execution support of Special Olympics Washington’s regional and state competitions. 

Volunteer Leaders are the “Class A” volunteer type, which means they must complete prerequisites to ensure the safety of our athletes – find more details below: 

Sport Volunteer/Chaperone, Coach, Assistant Coach, Program Coordinator Prerequisites 

• Must be 18+ 
• Find more information about applying for these roles here

Program Leadership and Games Management Prerequisites  

• Must be 18+ 
• Apply for available roles through the Volunteer Registration Portal 

Volunteer Leaders: Resources, Training and Development 

• Volunteer Leadership Conference  
• Resources from 2024 event coming soon!  
• Volunteer Community Webinar (Every 3rd Tuesday at 12PM | 6PM) 
• Volunteers in Action Program (available in Q4 2024) 
• Internship Program (available Q4 2024) 
• Volunteer Rewards and Recognition Program (available Q1 2025) 

Current Coaches and Program Coordinators: Resources, Training and Development   

• Become a Coach 
• NW Region Sports  
• SW Region Sports  
• East Region Sports  
• Coach Webinar Series (2021, 2022, 2023) 
• Mentorship Series – Athlete Conversations 
• Sports A-Z (Rules, Article 1) 
• Athlete-Centered Coaching Guide 
• Principles of Coaching – stay tuned on virtual/in-person offerings! 
• Sports-specific training – stay tuned on virtual/in-person offerings! 

>>Not quite ready to take on a volunteer leadership role? Join us at an event! Find upcoming opportunities here: https://specialolympicswashington.org/event-volunteers/