Volunteering with Special Olympics

Special Olympics coaches and volunteers  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.  Event volunteers get the opportunity to make wonderful things happen for our community.  Please feel free to reach out to the volunteer coordinator at [email protected]

Become a Volunteer

Volunteers age 18 and older serving as coaches, partners, council members, chaperones, athlete leadership mentors and drivers of athletes must become Class A Eligible Volunteers.  

For those under 18, there is a similar process for Class A Minors.  

For both, follow the procedures on the page at the click link.

Volunteer Certification Instructions

Volunteering

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 opportunities exist for you! Find out the specific needs of your local Special Olympics program.

SOVA Volunteer Resources

Vaccination Waiver and Vaccination Requirements

Coaches and volunteers – in association with post-COVID return to play efforts, Special Olympics has developed a waiver form that all participants MUST submit before they can be deemed eligible to coach, play or assist. Submit via email to [email protected] as soon as possible.

Blank Mandatory COVID Waiver Form

What Coaches Do...

 • 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. 

Contact our Volunteer and Coaching Coordinator

Coaching

Special Olympics coaches play a unique and indispensable role in the success of our programs around the world. In addition to providing the important sports skills and instruction athletes need to succeed, our 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 our athletes an immediate awareness of their own worth, courage and ability to grow and improve to the highest capacity.

SOVA Coaching Guides

How to become a Coach

Becoming a Special Olympics coach is easy! Special Olympics Virginia, Northern Virginia offers a training program to become a Certified Special Olympics Coach.

To get certified, you will need to follow the procedures on the SOVA Site at the clickbutton below.  

SOVA Coaching Certification Resources

Season Tournament Volunteering Opportunities

At the links below you can volunteer to work as an assistant referee, scorer, administrator or any other core support role to make the tournaments successful.

The tournaments are all-day events, but there are shifts available.
Thank you to all for your time and effort!!

January 21, 2024

Woodson HS (Fairfax): 

January 21, 2024

Oakton HS (Vienna): 

February 11, 2024

Woodson HS (Fairfax):

February 11, 2024

Oakton HS (Vienna):

February 11, 2024

Twain MS (Alexandria): 

Volunteer for an event

SOVA is always looking for volunteers to work signup, setup/teardown, snackbars, and cheer sections.  

Want to have a day making a great day for others? Click the box at the right and sign up!!

Newsletter Subscription