When you become a volunteer, you become part of a community that helps our athletes shine, achieve their goals, and feel supported, but what might surprise you is how much they’ll inspire and impact you. Gain valuable experience, expand your network and be part of something bigger.
Become Part of the Family
Make a real difference—not just in someone else’s life, but in your own. When you join the global movement of over one million volunteers across 207 Countries and Jurisdictions, you’re not just promoting inclusion—you’re contributing to building and delivering a world where people of all abilities lead, thrive, and belong.
Check Out the Impact Across the World
Check Out the Impact Across the World
963,899
Volunteers
256
NATIONAL & STATE PROGRAMS
411,382
Coaches
88,748
Competitions
29,005
Local Programs
1,017,594
Unified Partners
Select Your Volunteer Role
Become an Event Staff
Join our event staff team to connect with an inclusive community and gain real-life benefits. This is your chance to be part of a family where everyone contributes to something meaningful and fun.
Become a Coach
Volunteer to become a coach to contribute your skills, connect with a supportive community, and experience the benefits of growing alongside your athletes. Every practice makes a difference.
Become an Official
Step up as an official to contribute to fair competition, connect with a passionate community, and enjoy the benefits of leadership. Your role keeps the game strong and spirited.
Become a Unified Partner
Join as a Unified partner to contribute to inclusion through sport, connect with amazing athletes, and discover the benefits of teamwork. Together, you’ll break barriers and build friendships.
Kilifi’s Quiet Shift
On the red-dirt fields scattered across this coastal region, a quiet but profound shift is underway.
Coach Molly Underly Keeps Special Olympics USA Looking Forward
Coach Molly Underly and Special Olympics USA battled Special Olympics Namibia to a 1-1 draw on Wednesday, adding another chapter to a tournament that has already included a 2-1 win over Azerbaijan and a 6-0 loss to Guatemala.
Journey to the Cup—Inclusion On and Off the Field
In this series, meet the athletes, Unified partners, coaches, and officials whose journeys to Paris are filled with determination, friendship, and inclusion.
Alumni Leadership Network Spotlight: Christa White
Christa has spent her career helping people see what’s possible, not just for organizations, but for themselves.
Get Involved
Special Olympics offers many ways to take part. There are short-term and long-term volunteer opportunities, the option of playing Unified Sports and to become a Special Olympics athlete.