Become a Volunteer
Join the Movement… reveal your inner champion by volunteering with us.
The dedication of Special Olympics volunteers provides exceptional experiences for athletes with intellectual disabilities. There are many ways to volunteer for Special Olympics West Virginia.
Special Olympics holds events throughout the state year-round. Volunteers are the heartbeat of our organization and help make Special Olympics possible.
How can you get involved?
Event Volunteers are one, two, or three-day volunteers who make our competitions and other essential events happen! Volunteers may assist in competition roles such as scorekeeping, awarding, set-up/clean-up, and more.
Athletes dedicate months of training prior to each of our statewide competitions. People who volunteer at our competition events get the chance to be a part of making our athletes dreams a reality. The experience of working directly with these amazing athletes will put a smile on anyone’s face.
Most of our volunteers come to make a difference in the lives of others, not knowing their lives will also be changed as a result. Come and experience the fulfillment of volunteering for Special Olympics.
Event Volunteers must be age 14+, unless accompanied by a parent, guardian, or chaperone. Groups are always a welcome addition to our statewide events!
To learn more on how to register you or your group to volunteer at one of the statewide events please contact Wendy Miller or by phone at 304-345-9310.
Coaches and assistant coaches are needed to in all Special Olympics West Virginia Sports.
Coaches train athletes for a minimum of 2 hours per week for an 8-10 week season. Each coach works directly with the Special Olympics athletes, preparing them for competition and teaching them the necessary skill to compete at the athletes’ highest level.
Head coaches must be at least 18 years old.
Coaches, assistant coaches and practice assistants must register as a Class A Volunteer with the local county program and SOWV.
This consists of the following requirements:
- Completion of Class A Volunteer Packet & Requirements
- Completion of In-person Sport Specific training school
- Maintain certified coach certification every 3 years.
If you want to really join the games, you may want to consider being a Unified Partner.
Special Olympics West Virginia offers a non-traditional opportunity called Unified Sports. This initiative offers volunteers the chance to participate in certain team sports alongside the athletes. Some of the team sports which offer Unified Sports in West Virginia are bowling, basketball, golf, flag football, softball and volleyball.
Unified Partners must register as a Class A Volunteer with the local county program and SOWV.
This consists of the following requirements:
Each of our County programs provide sports training and competition throughout the year for the athletes in their communities.
Leadership volunteers are needed to serve on County Management Teams and make Special Olympics happen from behind the scenes. Members of our County Management Teams assist with registering athletes for local & state training and competitions, planning events, arranging transportation, recruiting new volunteers and sponsors, managing websites, taking pictures, publicizing activities, answering phones and email, and much more. Whatever your expertise, we need your help!
Volunteer leaders who are in a position to handle money, work directly with our athletes, coaches and volunteers must register as a Class A Volunteer with the local county program and SOWV.
This consists of the following requirements:
To get involved as a coach, Unified Partner or be a part of your local County Management Team, contact your county’s Special Olympics Local County Director.
