March 19, 2024 Update:
- With Special Olympics Washington’s transition to Microsoft Dynamics, the Volunteer Team is currently ironing out our process to recruit and onboard new volunteer leaders.
- The goal is to restart formal recruitment in June 2024.
- In the meantime, we hope interested volunteers join us at event, complete our Volunteer Interest Form, and/or email Lindsey (lcornish@sowa.org) with any questions/concerns.
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 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:
Coach, Assistant Coach Prerequisites
- Complete a Background Check (Special Olympics Washington Identification Good Deed Code: e45cri8)
- Paperwork: Covid Waiver
- Training: Protective Behaviors, Concussion Training via SO Learn Portal.
Program Coordinator, Chaperone, Program Leadership, GMT Prerequisites
- Background Check
- Paperwork: Covid Waiver
- Training: General Orientation, Protective Behaviors via SO Learn Portal.
Volunteer Leaders: Resources, Training and Development
- Volunteer Community Meeting
- Volunteer Leadership Conference 2024 (details to follow)
- 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!