How to Volunteer

Volunteers are the backbone of Special Olympics Pennsylvania. We could not exist without the dedication of thousands of Pennsylvania citizens. The time, energy and enthusiasm of volunteers fuel our movement and make our athletes’ dreams a reality.

There is a place for everyone in our organization.  The sports-minded can find a place as a dedicated coach. The business person can lend their talent as an event organizer. The retiree can offer support as a coordinator and the student may want to invest their enthusiasm into a competition event.

On the local level, a company owner can provide needed funding, and a community leader can assist with public relations opportunities. In the end, all of our volunteers have one thing in common -- a sense of personal pride knowing they're changing lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities!

Special Olympics Pennsylvania is managed through local programs, most of which are county or city-based. All of our programs need a full complement of talents and skills. We  currently need Managers, Coaches and Assistant Coaches, Public Relations and Fundraising Coordinators, Training and Competition Coordinators, Outreach and Medical Coordinators, Special Events and Family Coordinators, just to name a few.

We also offer selective opportunities for individuals unable to make a year-round commitment through our many competitions. We welcome and encourage families or groups (i.e. corporate employees, civic and fraternal organizations, and high school and college classes) to sign-up to volunteer at our local or state events!

Getting involved is easy! Just call your local Special Olympics Pennsylvania program or contact Special Olympics Pennsylvania at dherr@specialolympicspa.org or call us at 1-800-235-9058.

Join our winning team and experience the pride and excitement for yourself!

Volunteer Registration Form

After completing the Volunteer Registration Form, your next step is to participate in a brief (15 minute) online training.  This is required training for all volunteers working with Special Olympics athletes. Begin now Protective Behaviors Thank You

The 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games will be held in Boise, Idaho February 7-13, 2009 and will welcome 2,500 athletes, 1,000 coaches, 3,000 family members, 6,000 volunteers, and 100,000 spectators from around the globe. For more information, go to 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games Website.

Congratulations to the five athletes and 10 alternate athletes chosen for Team USA to represent our state at the 2008 SOPA Winter Games Closing Ceremonies! All questions regarding the team can be directed to Melissa Moody-White at 1-800-233-5161 or mmoodywhite@specialolympicspa.org

2009 SOPA World Games Selected and Alternate Athletes

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