Be a Volunteer
Join our movement of 15,000+ dedicated individuals.
Join Our Inclusive Community
Our athletes are why we exist – and our volunteers are how we exist.
Special Olympics Northern California relies on the expertise and dedication of more than 27,000 volunteers. They are on the field coaching our athletes in 11 different sports. They are behind the scenes ensuring events run smoothly. They are raising funds and gathering support within our communities. And they are changing lives, one day at a time.
Volunteer Opportunities | FAQs | Be a Coach | Volunteer Calendar
Volunteer &
Make a Difference
Special Olympics volunteers give their time, energy and resources to better the lives of athletes – and many volunteers end up receiving much more than they give.
Our most popular volunteer role! If you have limited time or are new to Special Olympics, this offers a fun way to volunteer without making more than a one-day commitment. There are volunteer opportunities at sports events (such as competitions) and other special events (such as fundraisers).
For company or group volunteer opportunities, please contact .
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.
Coaches are the backbone of Special Olympics. We rely on volunteer coaches to lead weekly practices and prepare athletes for competition. Volunteering as a coach is a hands-on commitment of a minimum of 6-8 weeks per sports season. If you love sports, are enthusiastic about helping athletes and have the time to give, coaching could be for you!
Great for those interested in supporting a local team but can’t commit to a coaching role or attend every practice. Team Assistants support head coaches with practice setup, drills, and activities, while also handling some administrative tasks. Team Assistant opportunities vary based on the specific needs of each area and offer flexibility for those who may not be able to attend every practice or game.
Requirements
Volunteers must be at least 14 years old, complete the online volunteer application, clear a background check (when over 18), and finish an online training course. This volunteer role is ideal for those who want to work with a team, supporting both athletes and coaches, and can attend at least four practices over an eight-week season.
If you love sports but prefer to play a supporting role, there are a variety of volunteer opportunities for you! Join us as a part of the Games Management Team to set up the competition venues and provide logistics; keep the games on track as a referee/official; or use your professional background as a Medical Volunteer.
Use your personal or professional background to support Special Olympics as an office volunteer, photographer or in another capacity.
Exclusively for members of the law enforcement community.
There are many ways to get involved and support our Health & Wellness movement! If you are a student, health, wellness or fitness professional, or interested in volunteering, fill out this brief Special Olympics Health & Wellness Volunteer Interest form for upcoming events, or email .
To learn more visit: sonc.org/health-wellness-volunteers
I volunteer for Special Olympics because I love the athletes. I hope I can teach them as much as they teach me.
Christine
Special Olympics Coach
Any volunteer who will be working closely with athletes, or athlete information, needs to complete the application process. This includes Coaches, Unified Partners, GMT Members, Office Volunteers, and Medical Volunteers.
Event Volunteers, who may volunteer at a competition or special event for a singular shift, do not need to complete the application process, and can register for events individually through the Volunteer Event Calendar.
The application process involves completing a form through our online portal – which includes submitting for a Background check (if 18 years or older) and then completing an initial orientation and training module. The entire process should take 45 to 60 minutes. Background Check results may take several days to process, after which confirmation of volunteer eligibility will be sent by email.
To complete the application process, you will need:
- A digital image of a current CDL or other government-issued photo ID that can be uploaded; minors can use a photo Student ID. Photo ID is a required component of all SONC volunteer applications.
- A valid email address that you can access during the application process.
- Approximately 45-60 minutes to complete the form (10-15 minutes) and the training/orientation portion (30-40 minutes). Completion of the form (along with submission for a Background Check report) and completion of the training piece are required components of the application process.
You do not need to complete the application process in one sitting, though we recommend trying to do so to avoid any technical errors. You can save your progress on your application, though will need to create a second password in order to return to your application at a later time.
Applications will not be considered complete until all portions have been completed and submitted. Processing of applications may take several days; you will receive confirmation by email when your application has been processed and you are cleared to participate.
After submission of the application form, you will receive a message prompting you to complete the application process via the orientation/training module offered in the SONC Trailhead. The application process is not complete until all portions of the application have been completed.
Once you have completed the training piece – and are awarded the “badge” for doing so – you can exit the process and close any windows or screens related to the application. You can also access the portal in which you submitted your application whenever you would like. You will receive notification by email once your application has been processed and you are cleared to participate.
You will receive notification by email once your application has been processed.
If you are not already connected with your local program/area, please find your program here and contact the local SONC Sports Staff member to do so.
Volunteer applications remain current for three years, at which time you will be prompted to renew your application. For applicants 15 to 17 years of age, your application will require renewal on your 18th birthday.
For adult applicants, each volunteer application needs to be submitted and electronically signed by the individual who is applying, and a unique email address must be used. The same email address cannot be used for multiple applicants.
For minor applicants, the applicant and parent/guardian should complete the application together. The minor applicant will also need to use a unique email address.
Applying to volunteer through our online portal will be significantly quicker and easier.
If necessary, you can print and send a completed paper application, but please note that the processing of paper applications will be delayed by an additional period of up to two weeks. Also, please note that applicants will still be required to submit for a Background Check and complete the Training/Orientation piece through online platforms.
II. Volunteer Roles
To become a Special Olympics Coach, please complete the application process, which involves completing a form and submitting for a criminal Background Check (if 18 years of age or older), and then completing an introductory orientation/training module.
Special Olympics Northern California currently offer 11 sports over four seasons of the year.
Coaches are welcome to coach multiple sports depending on their preference.
There are many ways to volunteer with Special Olympics besides coaching, including as a Unified Partner, a Games Management Team (GMT) Member, or as an Office Volunteer at our headquarters in Pleasant Hill, or one of our satellite offices.
If you would simply like to help at one of our events occasionally, you do not need to submit a volunteer application.
If you encounter any issues or errors with the application process, please submit a “Case” request through the application portal, which will be the fastest method to receive a response from a SONC staff member.
If you have questions about the application process or volunteering, please refer to this FAQ list for more information. For any other information, please contact .