Special Olympics is all about inclusion – and that means bringing individuals with and without disabilities to together to compete as equals. As a Unified Partner, you will train and compete alongside Special Olympics athletes in select sports (currently golf, flag football, soccer, and tennis), assisting coaches in practice and supporting athletes as needed.

Time Commitment

Unified Partners commit to the team for the full season. Most seasons include 6-8 weeks of practice, with one practice per week, and 2-3 competitions.

Qualifications

Unified Partners should either have experience in or be willing to learn the sport and must be able to assist on the court or field. Unified Partners must be at least 14 years old and show patience and maturity.

Application Process

Unified Partners must complete a volunteer application and attend an online orientation. Volunteers 18 and older must pass a background check. Both online and on-the-job training are provided.

Apply

Games Management Team volunteers assist the Games Director (usually SONC staff) in overseeing key components of competitions: from set up and logistics to overseeing other day-of-event volunteers.

Time Commitment

Approximately 2‐6 hours on one event day

Qualifications

Varies based on available job assignments and the nature of the event, with assignments made by the Games Director.  GMT are required to complete an application and online orientation. Volunteers 18 and over must pass a background check. Online and on‐the‐job training is provided.

Apply

Volunteer officials serve as game, match or event referees during competitions.

Time Commitment

Each competition varies, but in general, volunteer officials must be able to commit to a shift of up to four hours on one event day.

Qualifications

State, national or Special Olympics certification is generally required. Volunteer officials must also complete a day-of-event waiver.

Contact for information about becoming a volunteer official.

Medical volunteers provide Basic Life Support (BLS) services during competition and help assess whether a higher level of care is required. Depending on the event, they may provide overnight coverage for events where delegations are housed as part of the competition.

Time Commitment

Each competition varies, but in general, medical volunteers must be able to commit to a minimum shift of four hours with most events being full-day commitments.

Qualifications

Medical Volunteers must be in possession of current EMT, Paramedic, Nurse or MD license, and have a record clear of violations, suspensions and other infractions. All Overnight Medical Volunteers must complete an application and online orientation and also pass a background check.

Medical Volunteer Requirements

All Medical Volunteers must hold a current EMT, Paramedic, Nurse, or MD license with a record clear of violations, suspensions, and other infractions. Additionally, all Medical Volunteers are required to sign a day-of-event waiver, unless they are Overnight Volunteers. Overnight Medical Volunteers must complete an application and online orientation, as well as pass a background check.

Contact for information about becoming a medical volunteer.