Special Olympics volunteers can get involved at the club, community, district, and/or provincial level. Volunteering at the provincial level can lead to opportunities at the national and international level.
Some volunteers offer a few hours of their time per year at specific events, while others work several hours a week year-round. Whatever your interests, talents, background, and availability, Special Olympics has volunteer opportunities that will fit your everyday lifestyle.
If you are interested in volunteering as a coach, see Coaching Roles.
PROGRAM VOLUNTEER:
We are always looking for volunteers to assist coaches in our local sports clubs by helping out at practices, providing extra administrative support or team management, or lending a hand at local competitions.
COMMUNITY EXECUTIVE:
The role the Community Executive Committee (CEC) is to lead, support, coordinate, organize, and oversee Special Olympics sport programs, initiatives, and events within their community.
The CEC commits to upholding Special Olympics Saskatchewan (SOS) standards and works towards having quality programming for their community membership, including athletes, coaches, and volunteers. If you are interested in as a member of your local CEC, contact your local community.
DISTRICT/COMMUNITY MANAGER
- Schedule and chair Executive Committee meetings
- Ensure that all SOS policies and procedures are followed
- Set budget with Executive
- Submit accreditation
- Monitor day-to-day affairs of community
- Act as a liaison between the Provincial Office and the community
VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
- Reaching out to potential volunteers
- Being a primary contact for volunteers and matching volunteers to specific SO programs in the community
- Regular contact with existing volunteers
- Provide athlete information as needed
- Ensure all volunteers are registered with updated Criminal Record Check
- Promoting Special Olympics and work for volunteer recruitment and retention to ensure sustainability
- Recognize community volunteers
- Connect a new volunteer with a volunteer in the same program
PROGRAM COORDINATOR
- Develop, maintain and oversee the logistics of the SO sports programs in the community
- Help to organize the coaching staff, program volunteers, facilities, equipment, safety
- Work with the Executive to address needs and develop programs and opportunities
- Ensure all SO programs are compliant with Athlete to Coach Ratio Guidelines
- Ensure that all coaches are properly certified through the NCCP certification program and that SOC coaching standards are being followed
- Assess funding for new and existing programs, including outside and internal grant opportunities
SECRETARY
- Record meeting minutes and develop other written documents for the Executive Committee, forwarding them to SOS Provincial Office
TREASURER
- Coordinate and organize income and expenses, community funding (resources and expenses), banking procedures, financial statements, account activity, and quarterly reports
- Sanction any fundraising initiatives that meet the specific requirements and guidelines outlined by SOS policies
- Create and maintain financial reports for the Provincial Office as needed
- Assist with financial portion of community accreditation
MEMBERS AT LARGE
- Although not assigned specific tasks, members at large will step in when needed to assist with different tasks to promote and develop the Special Olympics movement
- Communicate any issues, needs and/or concerns with Special Olympic programs in the community
OTHER EXECUTIVE POSITIONS
- Fundraising Coordinator: Organize and execute fundraising events to assist with community funding
- Publicity/Marketing Coordinator: Work to build a relationship with community members; publicize Special Olympics programs and fundraising initiatives
- Athlete Coordinator: Oversee athlete involvement, including official registration, sport/program interests, medical and contact information
EVENT VOLUNTEER:
Event volunteers are often needed when athletes from several communities participate in official competition. These events are ran by staff and volunteers.
If you are interested in volunteering at an event please contact your local community.
Interested in Joining Our Team?
Our athletes are ready to get back on the playing field - but they can't do it without you!
Special Olympics programs for the summer are opening up across the province, and volunteers are needed. From coaches, to officials, to team managers, there is something for everyone. Join our family of over 17,500 volunteers across Canada and help enrich the lives of individuals with an intellectual disability through sports.
We promise you’ll get even more out of it than you give.
Meet some of our amazing volunteers!
About Jackie:
Jackie recently became the Community Manager for Special Olympics Estevan. She has worked hard behind the scenes to ensure SO Estevan Community Operations are running smoothly, and that athletes have opportunities to participate in weekly programs and competitions as well.
Why do you volunteer for Special Olympics?
I volunteer for Special Olympics because I strongly believe in the benefits these programs provide for individuals who may not have the opportunity to participate in sports otherwise. They not only provide the sport perspective, but also are such a great way of building community amongst athletes/volunteers/coaches. I could be having a terrible day, but as soon as I go to a Special Olympics program, it completely lifts my spirits, and I see things in a more positive light. Getting involved in Special Olympics has greatly improved my life for the better!
What is your favourite memory or thing about volunteering with Special Olympics over the past year?
One of my favourite moments is simply watching the improvements of our athletes and how proud they are of themselves, as are their peers. We have a young lady who has really improved bowling this year in 5-pin! Every time she gets a strike, she shoots her arms up in the air, runs to her parents for high-fives, and then goes and gets high-fives from her peers. Her last strike of the year is no less exciting than her first strike of the year, and every time it makes your heart feel so full.
About Stephen:
Stephen Lewry has been volunteering on the SO Moose Jaw Community Executive Committee for the past 2 years. His hard work behind the scenes has led to a new Golf program being offered in Moose Jaw for athletes. Stephen not only coaches the program, but applied for a grant through Sask. Sport to cover the program's expenses.
Why do you volunteer for Special Olympics?
I have worked with individuals with disabilities for many years. Several of the athletes I support professionally are actively involved in Special Olympics Moose Jaw. I felt it was time to get involved in order to maintain or increase their opportunities within the community.
What is your favourite memory or thing about volunteering with Special Olympics over the past year?
I would have to say that coaching at the National Games was a highlight. When I volunteered to go, the teams hadn't been determined so it was exciting and a privilege to see three of the athletes I coach locally in Moose Jaw make it to Team Saskatchewan. Another highlight was developing/coaching a new sport program in Moose Jaw - Golf - which will soon be starting its second year.
About Marlene:
Marlene has been a volunteer with Special Olympics Melfort for over 15 years. She currently sits on the Community Executive Committee for SO Melfort as the Fundraising Coordinator. Marlene can always be counted on when needed and does many different volunteer roles for SO Melfort. Last year, Marlene was nominated for Volunteer of the Year.
Why do you volunteer for Special Olympics?
I first volunteered for Special Olympics Melfort when I was a teenager. When my family moved back into the area many years later, I started volunteering again so I could spend time with our oldest child when he joined the program. I really like coaching the athletes, supporting them in their training, and cheering them on at competitions. Their smiles, the high fi
ves, the lively conversations - they make the events so enjoyable!
What is your favourite memory or thing about volunteering with Special Olympics over the past year?
My favourite Special Olympics moment in the last year had to be teaching the 2024 Team Sask. members about my son Scot's hearing impairment, his cochlear implant, and also some sign language. It was so wonderful when some of the athletes came up to him after the session to have a visit, using the sign language they had learned, or through me as his interpreter. It was a positive experience for both of us.
About Tyler:
Tyler currently sits on the Special Olympics Prince Albert Community Executive Committee as Treasurer. Tyler helps out in many different areas as a volunteer, including coaching, officiating, transporting athletes, applying for grants, registration, financial reporting, and more. Last year, Tyler was awarded the SOS Volunteer of the Year Award. His hard work behind the scenes has made a tremendous impact in Prince Albert.
Why do you volunteer for Special Olympics?
It's fun, the number of athletes, coaches, and volunteers you get to meet through the number of years volunteering is always great. Also, it's a feeling that you are making a difference in athletes lives, where in some cases, they wouldn't have the opportunity they get when taking part in Special Olympics.
What is your favourite memory or thing about volunteering with Special Olympics over the past year?
As Mission Staff, being a part of the 2024 Team Sask. Floor Hockey Team that competed in Calgary. My long 8-hour driving days when I went to Regina with Kalim, Byron, and Jeff were always something I'll remember. They kept the drive feeling short, and always memorable. Not only that, but the coaching staff was so great to work with, a bunch of top-shelf guys. And of course, Zayne scoring the bronze medal winner in overtime. A great experience that I'll remember for a long time!
About Carl:
Carl Kruger has volunteered with Special Olympics for the past 9 years. He volunteers with several different programs in Saskatoon and this past year, joined the Community Executive Committee as Volunteer Coordinator. Carl's hard work behind the scenes has made a huge impact on Special Olympics Saskatoon athletes and volunteers since coming aboard. Last year, Carl was awarded the Special Olympics Saskatchewan Unsung Hero Award for his efforts.
Why do you volunteer for Special Olympics?
I volunteer with Special Olympics to help the athletes to be involved with sports. From my own experience being involved in sports, I know the enjoyment of participating in sports for both exercise and companionship with other athletes.
What is your favourite memory or thing about volunteering with Special Olympics over the past year?
My favourite memory is being part of Team Saskatchewan at the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in Calgary. There are a lot of great memories from the Games and it's so hard to pick out one individual memory. The fact that almost all of the athletes from Team Sask. returned with a medal was great.
About Rhonda:
Rhonda is the Treasurer for Special Olympics Swift Current, but also helps with all aspects of the community. She is an integral part of the organization and helps with all fundraisers, administration, coaching, and attending Coaches Symposiums and the Leadership Conference.
Why do you volunteer for Special Olympics?
I volunteer as I see the joy and accomplishment it brings to the athletes. I love to see the joy on their faces and the fun they are having. It brings true pleasure to my heart being around the athletes and other coaches.
What is your favourite memory or thing about volunteering with Special Olympics over the past year?
Coaching an athlete in Swimming that had progressed from not being able to let go of me, to then being able to support herself in the water and to feel comfortable doing it - it's a great feeling.
About Mike:
Mike Penno is the Treasurer on the Special Olympics Regina Community Executive Committee. Mike is involved as a volunteer in many aspects with SO Regina and puts in many hours behind the scenes to help ensure the Community is running smoothly.
Why do you volunteer for Special Olympics?
Although I still coach the Bocce program and really enjoy the interaction with the athletes, I spend most of my hours volunteering behind the scenes, so to speak. There is a need in every Community for volunteers to register athletes, book facilities, make sure programs have all the necessary equipment to run smoothly, fundraise, work with the SOS office for things like grants, and to be a treasurer. All of these areas are where I choose to spend most of my hours helping out and is the reason why I volunteer today.
What is your favourite memory or thing about volunteering with Special Olympics over the past year?
My favourite moment over the past year has to be watching the athlete in our family, Lindsay, receive a National Award. Lindsay was awarded the first-ever 2023 Athlete Community Excellence Award. This several-week process brought huge smiles to her face and made her very proud of the achievement. She will gladly recount this experience to everyone she runs into and it will stay with her for the rest of her life. We were all very grateful for the experience she received through Special Olympics.
About Danielle:
Danielle Gignac is the Secretary for Special Olympics Battlefords Community Executive Committee. She joined the CEC in 2022 as she was looking to make an impact in the community as a volunteer. Danielle has been a great asset to the CEC; she has great organizational skills, keeps detailed meeting agendas/minutes, and has also applied for grants. This year, Danielle is also representing SO Battlefords at the SOS Leadership Conference in Saskatoon.
Why do you volunteer for Special Olympics?
I find volunteering for Special Olympics incredibly rewarding. It allows me to make a positive impact on the lives of others by fostering inclusion, empowerment, and joy through sports. I have also been able to form a sense of community with my fellow volunteers and have been given many opportunities for personal development.
What is your favourite memory or thing about volunteering with Special Olympics over the past year?
My favourite memory was our special December event. We played all sorts of games (with my favourites being Red Light-Green Light, and Musical Chairs) and shared lots of laughs over hot chocolate.