August 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 | Register as an Individual | Register as a Group | Group FAQs
- 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 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.
- Area/Program Leadership Team: Provide oversight of Special Olympics Washington’s programs and initiatives at the area level. Ensure Special Olympics Washington is reflective of local/regional needs, provide guidance and coordination support to local Special Olympics Washington 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:
Coach, Assistant Coach Prerequisites
- Undergo a background check
- Paperwork: Covid Waiver
- Training: Protective Behaviors, Concussion Training via SO Learn Portal.
Program Coordinator, Chaperone, Program Leadership, GMT Prerequisites
- Undergo a background check
- Paperwork: Covid Waiver
- Training: General Orientation, Protective Behaviors via SO Learn Portal.
Volunteer Leaders: Resources, Training and Development
- Volunteer Community Meeting
- Annual Volunteer Leadership Conference
- Volunteers in Action Program (details to follow)
- Special Olympics Washington Internship Program (details to follow)
Current Coaches: Resources, Training and Development
- 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!
Not quite ready to take on a volunteer leadership role? Join us at an event! Find upcoming opportunities here!