How to Get Involved
Special Olympics Pennsylvania is proud to serve more than 15,000 athletes who compete in 21 sports. Begin your athlete journey today.
What Volunteer Role Is Right For Me?
Find your perfect volunteer role based on your availability and commitment level
1Event Volunteering Minimum Effort
Event volunteers are one- or multi-day volunteers who make our competition and fundraising events happen. Event volunteers help with a variety of roles, including scorekeeping, handing out awards, event setup and cleanup.
Perfect For: Families, corporate groups and those in need of service hours
Time: Event Day Only (2-8 hours)
Requirements: Volunteer Registration
2Local Program Volunteer Moderate Effort
Volunteer for Special Olympics outside of the sports environment. Working alongside staff and volunteers, help us plan fundraising events, provide administrative support, serve on a local leadership team, mentor an Athlete Leader, and move our mission forward in many other ways.
Perfect For: Families, corporate groups and those in need of service hours
Time: Flexible Schedule: 3-5 hours per week
Requirements: Volunteer registration, Background clearance, Protective Behaviors Training, General Orientation Training
3Unified PartnerModerate Effort
Become a teammate. Train and compete with Special Olympics athletes. Special Olympics Unified Sports® creates an opportunity for people without intellectual disabilities to join in the sports experience by playing on a team with athletes with intellectual disabilities.
Perfect for: Volunteers who want to play sports, make new friends and stay active
Time: Regular Schedule: 1-3 hours per week during the sports season
Requirements: Volunteer registration, Background clearance (for Partners 18+), Protective Behaviors Training (for Partners 16+), General Orientation Training (for Partners 16+)
4Assistant Coach & Team VolunteerModerate Effort
Assistant Coach
Assistant coaches help to organize practice and assist athletes in acquiring sports skills, under the leadership of a head coach.
Perfect for: Volunteers who enjoy sports and want to motivate athletes to achieve their best.
Time: Regular Schedule: 1-3 hours per week during the sports season
Requirements: Volunteer registration, Background clearance (18+), Protective Behaviors Training (16+), General Orientation Training (16+), Concussion Training (16+)
Team Volunteer
A Volunteer who assists a sports team with general supervision and support, as well as more direct one-on-one guidance to athletes as needed.
Perfect For: Volunteers who like to organize and chaperone. Parents who aren’t the biggest sports fans but can help facilitate smooth practices, travel, etc.
Time: Regular Schedule: 1-3 hours per week during the sports season
Requirements: Volunteer registration, Background clearance (18+), Protective Behaviors Training (16+), General Orientation Training (16+), Concussion Training (16+)
5Head CoachMaximum Effort
Head coaches lead and organize their team of athletes and volunteers to create a comprehensive sport training program. They make sure the paperwork for their training site is completed, and that they have enough volunteers to run their sport. They manage the rosters of both athletes and volunteers, and communicate important info such as practice dates, schedule changes and what to expect during the season.
Perfect For: Volunteers who love sports and have the time and passion to lead a team.
Time: Regular Schedule: 3-6 hours per week during the sports season
Requirements: Volunteer registration, Background clearance (18+), Protective Behaviors Training (16+), General Orientation Training (16+), Concussion Training (16+), Sports Certification (provided by SOPA)
Have Questions?
Monthly Info Session for New & Interested Volunteers
The Special Olympics Pennsylvania staff will be available online the fourth Wednesday of each month from 6:30 – 7:30 pm to hold an information session and answer any questions you may have about volunteering. This is a no pressure, no commitment information session!
The Impact of Volunteering
Volunteering with Special Olympics Pennsylvania creates meaningful connections and lasting impact. Whether you’re coaching, supporting events, or helping with programs, your involvement makes a real difference in athletes’ lives.
Understanding & Individualized Support
Volunteers play a vital role in understanding each athlete’s uniqueness. This allows them to provide tailored support that’s effective for engaging the individual, fostering a sense of accomplishment and progress.
Motivation & Confidence Building
A strong volunteer-athlete relationship provides a supportive environment. Volunteers can motivate athletes to push their boundaries, celebrate their victories (big or small), and help them bounce back from setbacks. This builds confidence and self-esteem, which spills over into all aspects of the athlete’s life.
Life Skills Development
Special Olympics volunteers go beyond just sports. They help athletes develop important life skills like communication, teamwork, and following instructions. This empowers them to be more independent and successful in their daily lives.
Social Inclusion & Belonging
Volunteers create a welcoming and inclusive environment. This fosters a sense of belonging and social connection, which can be especially important for individuals who may face social isolation.
Overall Well-Being
The positive aspects of the volunteer-athlete relationship contribute to the overall well-being of Special Olympics athletes. This can lead to improved physical health, mental well-being, and a more positive outlook on life.
Volunteers Needed!
The positive aspects of the volunteer-athlete relationship contribute to the overall well-being of Special Olympics athletes.
What Our Volunteers Say
I’m elated when my swimmers achieve their goals or have success…when I see them improve so much and I see the satisfaction and the glee it gives them, that’s big for me. To see that they can do something they initially thought they couldn’t do.
Sharon Wenrich
Swimming Coach
Volunteering with Special Olympics has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Seeing the athletes’ faces light up when they achieve their goals is priceless lorum.
Joe S.
Event Volunteer
It makes me really excited to see athletes achieve their goals. Because sometimes they don’t believe in themselves. But I do.
Bonnie Snyder
Coach
It’s taught me leadership. And how to value each individual more – their strengths and weaknesses.
Kim Egger
Coach
