Join us in celebrating National Coaches Week!
Special Olympics is honoured to have the best coaches in the world. Our coaches offer more than training and sport instruction - they are teachers, role models, mentors, advocates and friends.
Our coaches have been there for our athletes in the best of times, and the worst of times. Over the past year, many have switched gears to virtual training and alternative competition to make sure athletes are healthy, active and connected.
Thank you, coaches. Your involvement and dedication is inspiring and our athletes are so lucky to have you on their team.
Every day, you cheer on your athletes. This week, Special Olympics athletes and supporters across Canada are cheering for YOU! #ThanksCoach
Special Olympics Canada introduces new Pan-Canadian Coaching Pathway:
Special Olympics Canada is also proud to introduce a new Pan-Canadian Coaching Standard that provides training for volunteers coaching in two main areas; those that are preparing athletes for Provincial/Territorial, National and World Games, and those who will work with athletes in their community who wish to be active for life. For this reason, we provide coach education that focuses on reaching the potential of both athletes and coaches in these two sporting areas.
View new Pan-Canadian Coaching Standards:
Complimentary CAC courses in honour of National Coaches Week 2021:
During National Coaches Week, coaches can diversify their coaching knowledge with free or discounted NCCP education through the Coaching Association of Canada. Among these free or discounted NCCP courses are several resources developed in collaboration with Special Olympics Canada.
Supporting Individuals with Autism in Recreation settings
In this module coaches will receive additional training regarding autism, specific to sport and coaching. The four sections will introduce coaches to autism and what it looks like in a recreation setting, 1:1 strategies for supporting individuals with ASD, and group coaching strategies for supporting individuals with autism. This module was developed in collaboration with the Canucks Autism Network.
Coaching Athletes with Down syndrome
Acccess the Course
Special Olympic Canada’s Coaching Athletes with Down syndrome eLearning module is designed for those who coach athletes with Down syndrome. In this module coaches learn how to empower athletes with Down syndrome to become active and successful participants in sport.
Diversity and Inclusion in Action
Access the Course
The Diversity and Inclusion in Action eLearning module is designed for volunteers, coaches, staff, board members, and/or other stakeholders of your organization. In this module, you will learn how to contribute to the success of an organization that reflects, respects, and promotes diversity and inclusion
For more information about resources available this National Coaches Week, visit coach.ca/national-coaches-week
Future Special Olympics Coaches:
Our athletes want YOU on their team!
Special Olympics coaches offer more than sport instruction - they are teachers, role models, mentors, and friends. As a Special Olympics coach, you bring enthusiasm, commitment and a positive attitude to each practice, event and competition, enriching the lives of each of the athletes with an intellectual disability that you meet.
In return, you develop meaningful connections with athletes who inspire you with their dedication, perseverance, and courage. You learn new skills, meet new people, and gain unique experiences, enriching your own life in turn.
Learn more: