Sports Volunteer
Join Our Inclusive Community
Our sports volunteers are the unsung heroes at every competition! Use your experience and commitment to support Special Olympics athletes in any number of supporting roles. You can also get in the game by becoming a Unified partner and compete alongside Special Olympics athletes in select sports.
Sports Volunteer Roles
Special Olympics is all about inclusion – and that means bringing individuals with and without disabilities to together to compete as equals. Unified partners train and compete alongside Special Olympics athletes in select sports (currently golf and flag football). Unified partners also assist coaches in practices and support athletes as needed.
Time Commitment
As a Unified partner, you are a part of the team. Sports seasons typically include 6-8 weeks of practice (usually one practice per week) and up to 2‐3 competitions.
Qualifications
Unified partners can be active in, or interested in learning, the sport. They must be able to assist and help on the court or field. Unified partners must also be at least be 14 years old and show patience and maturity.
Unified Partners® are required to complete an application and online orientation. Volunteers 18 and over must pass a background check. Online and on‐the‐job training is provided.
Games Management Team volunteers assist the Games Director (usually SONC staff) in overseeing key components of competitions: from set up and logistics to overseeing other day-of-event volunteers.
Time Commitment
Approximately 2‐6 hours on one event day
Qualifications
Varies based on available job assignments and the nature of the event, with assignments made by the Games Director. GMT are required to complete an application and online orientation. Volunteers 18 and over must pass a background check. Online and on‐the‐job training is provided.
Volunteer officials serve as game, match or event referees during competitions.
Time Commitment
Each competition varies, but in general, volunteer officials must be able to commit to a shift of up to four hours on one event day.
Qualifications
State, national or Special Olympics certification is generally required. Volunteer officials must also complete a day-of-event waiver.
Contact sports@sonc.org for information about becoming a volunteer official.
Medical volunteers provide Basic Life Support (BLS) services during competition and help assess whether a higher level of care is required. Depending on the event, they may provide overnight coverage for events where delegations are housed as part of the competition.
Time Commitment
Each competition varies, but in general, medical volunteers must be able to commit to a minimum shift of four hours with most events being full-day commitments.
Qualifications
Medical Volunteers must be in possession of current EMT, Paramedic, Nurse or MD license, and have a record clear of violations, suspensions and other infractions. All Overnight Medical Volunteers must complete an application and online orientation and also pass a background check.
Contact sports@sonc.org for information about becoming a medical volunteer.
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