About our Volunteers

Special Olympics would not exist today - and could not have been created - without the time, energy, dedication, and commitment of the our Special Olympics volunteers.
There are many ways you can become involved...and Inspire Greatness!

  • Serve as certified Special Olympics coaches.
  • Volunteer at a Special Olympics event.
  • Organize, coach or play on Unified Sports® teams.
  • Participate in one of our many fundraising events throughout the year.
  • Make financial or in-kind donations as individuals or through a business.
  • Conduct fundraising campaigns in schools or through a civic group, church, or other organization.
  • Name Special Olympics as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy, will, or employee payroll deduction.
  • Make donations of goods, services, or vital office supplies to local Special Olympics programs.
  • Encourage members of your civic groups to volunteer their professional services to Special Olympics programs and events.

Class A Volunteers:
- Volunteers who have regular, close physical contact with athletes
- Volunteers in position of authority or supervision (real or perceived)
- Volunteers in a position of trust with athletes
- Coaches
- Unified Partners
- Chaperones
- ALP's Mentors
- Overnight Hosts
- Drivers of Athletes
- Volunteers who have administrative and/or fiscal authority who act on behalf of Special Olympics
- Fundraising Event Committee Members
- Games Management Team Members
- State Program Board of Directors
- Area/Regional Management Team Members
- Minor (according to State Law) who have regular, close contact with athletes
- Minor Unified Partners
- Minor Peer Coaches
- Minor Chaperones

These volunteers are required to submit a signed, completed and truthful Volunteer Application at least every three years. The information submitted will be used to complete a criminal records check, and where applicable, a motor vehicle records check. Background checks will be completed at no cost to our volunteers and will help ensure the safety of our athletes.

Steps on How to Become a Class A Volunteer

  1. Complete Class A Volunteer Application

  2. Complete the Protective Behaviors training



Class B Volunteers:
- Single day or single event or fundraising volunteers. Examples include "Day of Volunteers", i.e. timers, medical personnel.
- Volunteers who have limited contact with athletes who are accompanied by coaches and chaperones
- Healthy Athlete volunteers
- Volunteers who drive vehicles on behalf of Special Olympics not transporting athletes
- Minor (according to State Law) single day or single event or fundraising volunteers
- Minor who has limited contact with athletes who are accompanied by coaches and chaperones

Class B volunteers must verify their identity via a photo ID upon arrival at the competition site. A formal application or background check is not required for these volunteers.


Please, join the Special Olympics movement today.  Contact us!