INFORMATION FOR COACHES

    Special Olympics coaches play a unique and indispensable role in the success of Special
    Olympics Virginia, Northern Virginia and around the world. In addition to providing the
    important sports skills and instruction athletes need to succeed, Special Olympics
    Coaches are also role models that encourage and inspire athletes to strive to reach their
    potential in both sports and life. Special Olympics coaches give Special Olympics athletes
    an immediate awareness of their own worth, courage and ability to grow and improve to
    the highest capacity.

    Special Olympics coaches:
    • Obtain necessary facilities and equipment for training.
    • Help to recruit athletes and assistant coaches.
    • Assist athletes in learning sports skills and applying them in competitions
    • Encourage confidence and self-esteem through sport.
    • Conduct demonstrations in the community.
    • Help start Partners Clubs of peer coaches with their athletes.
    • Start Unified Sports® teams.

    Special Olympics coaches often find that the personal rewards received are equal to or
    even outweigh the benefits they offer the athletes. Special Olympics coaches have a
    unique opportunity to work with athletes in competitive situations to assist in their
    training for life.

    Becoming a Special Olympics coach is easy! Special Olympics Virginia, Northern Virginia
    offers a training program to become a Certified Special Olympics Coach. Additionally,
    volunteers are always needed to ensure the highest quality events for the athletes.

    Whether as a coach or day of event volunteer, your role with Special Olympics Virginia,
    Northern Virginia is an experience you will never forget!

    Special Olympics coaches and volunteers are in GREAT need! Find out what coaching
    opportunities exist for you! Find out the specific needs of your local Special Olympics
    program.

    Coaches, athletes and volunteers - if you have a story to tell about this past season or
    want to get the word out about an event up and coming, please email your stories to the
    webmaster! Click for more info.

             photos of coaches