WHY VOLUNTEER:
Volunteering with Special Olympics Georgia is an opportunity to make a lasting impact while creating unforgettable memories. As a volunteer, you’ll build meaningful connections with athletes from across the state, fellow volunteers, coaches, and families. All while helping provide life-changing sports and health experiences for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Whether you can volunteer for a few hours or an entire weekend, your time and talents make a difference. We offer a variety of volunteer opportunities to match your interests and skills. Volunteer roles include:
State Games Volunteers:
The State Games include the Summer Games, Winter Games, and Fall Games, which are held throughout Georgia. Each of the state games require hundreds and hundreds of volunteers for the weekend and volunteers are needed for jobs from cheering on athletes during competitions to assisting with equipment set-up. State games are the best way to work closely with our athletes and to see them in competition.
Special Event Volunteers:
There are several truly unique special events held throughout the year where volunteers find themselves watching groups running into the freezing waters of Lake Acworth, help out at a golf tournament, or help us race around 12,000 rubber ducks. Though these events are much smaller than the state games and are not actual competitions, they are once in a lifetime opportunities and a whole lot of fun! Make sure to sign up for the SOGA e-newsletter to stay up-to-date on all upcoming special events.
Coaches:
Our Special Olympians need proper training from devoted coaches and assistant coaches. Coaches go through a short training/certification session that will explain what is expected and what to expect during training. You DO NOT need to be an expert in the sport you want to coach. You only need a desire to work closely with the athletes.
Volunteer Coordinators:
Want to be more involved in helping to run a state game successfully? Dependable and enthusiastic individuals are needed to help us manage volunteers at one of several venues held during each of our state games. Volunteer coordinators help run a venue by assisting the SOGA staff register, place, orientate, and support the volunteers assigned to particular venues.
State Games Organizing Committee:
This is a team of individuals devoted to planning, organizing and implementing each of the 3 state competitions. We need volunteers to organize and plan every aspect of the state competitions – from the Athlete Dance to each sporting venue. Games management team members meet once a month for about four months preceding the competition. We have state competitions throughout Georgia so make sure to check the volunteer opportunities page to see if a state game is being held close to you.
State Games Volunteer Coordinators:
Volunteer Coordinators play a vital role in creating a positive experience for both volunteers and athletes. As a Volunteer Coordinator, you’ll help welcome and check in volunteers, answer questions, direct them to their assigned areas, and ensure each volunteer has the information and support they need throughout their shift. Your leadership and friendly attitude help keep the event running smoothly and make every volunteer feel valued. No prior experience is necessary. Just a willingness to help, stay organized, and be a welcoming face for our volunteers!
Local Management Team Members:
The state is divided into 18 areas, with several local programs making-up each area. We need volunteers who are interested in providing leadership through service on a Local Management Team. These Teams organize and efficiently run the local or area Special Olympics program. From Public Relations to fundraising, there is a place for everyone!
Awards Captain
Awards captains are in charge of awards at venues. This person manages general volunteers assigned to awards, makes sure awards are set up correctly, and makes sure awards run on time and smoothly. This person is part of the event’s Games Organizing Committee (GOC).
Volunteer Fundraisers/Promoters
Special Olympics Georgia needs help promoting events throughout the community and help bringing in funds for events. There are various activities you can do throughout the year – find sponsors for the annual golf tournament, raise money to plunge for the Polar Plunge, or help secure in-kind donations.