Special Olympics Volunteering

[TimmyBoston]

Has anyone volunteered with the Special Olympics? I was looking at trying to do some coaching next spring in the track and field area.

I've never really volunteered other than Day of the Event stuff a few times with various teams while I was in high school. But I'd like to contribute.

[ClunkClunk]

My girlfriend used to volunteer weekly for it, particularly the swimming events, and I would join her whenever they had meets. It was very trying at times, but always very fulfilling.

[htownmmm]

it does not take much once you are accepted, but check with a local agency that works with clientèle who are eligible and they can give you the details.

If you have a family member that participates, you can get in much easier. I am not sure if volunteers have to have background checks, but I think it is required for safety reasons. Since I work in the field, I am not really eligible to volunteer.


Marty

[TimmyBoston]

If you have a family member that participates, you can get in much easier. I am not sure if volunteers have to have background checks, but I think it is required for safety reasons. Since I work in the field, I am not really eligible to volunteer.


Marty

There's no one in my family that participates (or is elgible to participate) I just wanted to help. I hope I'm able to.

[scorpion]

There's no one in my family that participates (or is elgible to participate) I just wanted to help. I hope I'm able to.

I'd be surprised if they couldn't find a spot for you. I'd start here...

http://www.specialolympics.org/Special+Olympics+Public+Website/English/Volunteer/default.htm

... if you haven't already done so. I used to do it all the time in college. Seems to be a lot more organized and professional these days with some pretty serious athletes. It's changed somewhat in 20 years as it used to seem somewhat informal back then - but so did lots of things. I imagine it's still a great way to spend a weekend or afternoons. You'll meet some wonderful people.

[TimmyBoston]

I wanted to bump this thread back up. I have been coaching all spring with track and field and I am signed up to coach softball after this season ends. I have to say signing up has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. I can't say enough positive things about this program.

If anyone has any interest in volunteering please send me a PM, I'd love to help someone else get involved. You won't regret it.

[da0acer0]

I volunteered there once through an organization I was involved in. It was a rewarding experience...like others have said, see if you can get a hold of your local agency or organization that does that type of stuff...

[thirdeye]

Tim,

Kudos my friend, that is an awesome thing your doing. Just imagine what it means to so many folks, the smiles and the warmth must be amazing.
I haven't had the oppurtunity to work with the Special Olympics but I have worked with a couple other organizations. The sense of pride and accomplishment almost tips the scales and has been some of the most rewarding experiances I've had to date...

Ok well, second only to the "Timmy" of coarse....:biggrin:

[Bristlingbeardofodin]

Glad you are finding Special Olympics rewarding.

I have worked with them in the past and hope to again next year.

One of my favorite SO experiences was when a number of the football players at the college where I teach served as coaches for SO as part of a service learning course I offered a few years ago. Normally service learning is outside my normal tradtionaly academic focus but I thought I would give it a try and do something new.

The guys were great. In the past my experience with football players had been they are not the most diligent of students but they really rose to the challenge and worked well with the SO kids. I saw the humanity behind the muscle in these guys (not that either of us would acknowlege it --must be macho after all) but it was an incredibly rewarding time for all. It probably helped in getting them involved that I was a former athlete and had the coaches ' support but once they became a part of things it was great to see the growth of both the young men and the kids.

If any readers have not done SO in the past give it a try. It may not be for you but it may be one of the most enjoyable things you ever do.

[joke1176]

I have done it the last 2 years, it's a fun thing to do.

[Howard Newell]

I volunteered to help out with the Special Olympics through high school about 6 years ago, though I don't understand if it was somehow set up between the YMCA and the National Honor Society. Either way it was a lot of fun and the kids really enjoyed it.