Volunteer

NEW VOLUNTEERS

…are always needed

We are proud to offer sport training and competition opportunities to members of our community with an intellectual disability. If you are looking for a rewarding volunteer experience, please inquire using the contact information listed below. Volunteering with SOO KW is an opportunity for you to make a direct impact on the quality of life of individuals with intellectual disabilities, and an opportunity for you to make a meaningful contribution to the Kitchener-Waterloo community.

Who Can Volunteer?

Special Olympics volunteers should have the following attributes:

  • enthusiastic, highly motivated individual who has excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • high integrity, passionate about helping others, and believe in the vision of Special Olympics Ontario
  • interested in making a difference in the lives of others

Volunteer Requirements

Potential volunteers must obtain a Police Check and complete a Volunteer Registration Form. NCCP Coach training should be undertaken within the first year of volunteering. Volunteers must be at least 14 years old. Those less than 18 years old do not require a Police Check. Volunteers must complete registration and AODA training on the SOO website.

What does volunteering mean?

Volunteering brings out the best in everyone. Volunteers act as coaches and organizers, helping our athletes improve their level of physical skill. The volunteers of the Kitchener-Waterloo community encourage athletes with an intellectual disability to participate and compete in sports. They organize activities year round to meet the seasonal needs of the athletes.

Being a trained coach in one of our sports or volunteering to help in a Special Olympics program would be a very rewarding experience for both you and the athletes. Training programs are offered on a regular basis to help develop coaching skills.

In addition, we are always in need of administrative and event volunteers. Fund-raising, sport program coordination, special event organization, and other vital administrative tasks are all performed by volunteers. These positions help to ensure that Special Olympics athletes enjoy regular practices and competitions in their favourite sports.

Benefits

  • Have the opportunity to experience and help athletes with an intellectual disability achieve their goals and reach their full potential
  • Improve your coaching and/or administrative skills
  • Meet new people and contacts
  • Participate in recognition events
  • Pursue training and continuing education
  • Stay active in sport
  • Use your skills to help others
  • Add meaningful experience to your resume

Types of Volunteer Opportunities

Event Volunteering (1 to 2 days)

  • Experience the energy of a Special Olympics event
  • Spend an exciting day at a competition timing races, measuring long jumps, or serving lunch
  • Do fundraising in a local mall or the Home Hardware Market

Program Volunteers and Coaches (3 to 6 month commitment)

  • provide training for athletes in any of our different sports
  • work with athletes to improve basic motor skills and teach sport-specific skills
  • prepare athletes for competitions
  • commit about 1-2 hours weekly
  • commit some weekends for competitions
  • Be a part of athletes achieving their goals and capture the spirit of Special Olympics!

Administrative Volunteer (up to 2-year commitment)

  • Join our local Community Council, including attendance at monthly Council meetings
  • Share your expertise and talents on a planning committee
  • Gain new leadership and organizational skills
  • Utilize your creative side in organizing on a fund raising event or competition
  • Gain skills in fundraising, budgets, planning, coordinating and much more…

If you are interested in getting involved as a volunteer, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator.