Become a 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 are 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!

Do You Want To Volunteer?

Just complete our online registration, or if you’d prefer, complete our Volunteer Registration Form and mail it to your desired local program, or call (800) 235-9058 or (610) 630-9450.

Special Olympics Pennsylvania has three different classifications of volunteers.  They are:

Class A - A Class A volunteer is someone who is or may be in immediate contact with athletes such as coaches, Unified Sports partners, chaperones, drivers, and overnight hosts, as well as volunteers with administrative (management team members, etc.) and fiscal authority. 

Class B – A Class B volunteer is someone with casual or limited contact with athletes such as sub-committee members, officials, event management team members, etc.

Class C – A Class C volunteer is someone who volunteers for a single event or for one day

Because we work with vulnerable children and adults all Class A volunteers are required to not only complete the online registration and Volunteer Registration Form, but are required to complete the Special Olympics Pennsylvania General Orientation.  Special Olympics Protective Behaviors Training and undergo a Pennsylvania criminal records check.  Class A volunteers under 17 must also complete the 17 & Under Disclosure Form . 

For more information about Special Olympics Pennsylvania's State Games and Sectional events, please click here.