Volunteer

VOLUNTEERING

Whether it's up front interacting with the athletes or working behind the scenes, volunteers are an integral part of the success of Special Olympics. The Barrie community is no different. Whether it be Head Coaches or the support volunteers that work closely with them, members of the council, helping out at our Bingo fundraiser, pitching in at events, driving athletes to where they need to go at any given time, volunteers are very much valued and appreciated for all that they do. We couldn't do it without you. The athletes gain skills, training, enjoyment from their sports, and self-confidence with your help.

If you are considering becoming a volunteer, contact the community co-ordinator, a head coach, a volunteer or through Special Olympics Ontario and we'll let you know what we need to get you started. Usually an application and a police check is all we will need.

Coaches

What are the duties of a coach?

Planning Practices

The coach works to plan each practice session before the players arrive so that the athletes learn a new skill or improve on what they already know. The coach has to make sure the athletes don't get frustrated. This takes practice, knowing what skills are needed, knowing how to teach those skills and knowing how to work with each athlete.

Conducting practices

This job requires that you be able to get and keep the players' attention and to set up the workout so that everyone is doing something most of the time. Knowing how to talk with the athletes is very important.

Courses required

Special Olympics Canada National Coaching Certification Program (SOC/NCCP) Community or Competition Coach Technical course within their first year of their assignment or placement.

Volunteers

Volunteers are an integral part of the success of Special Olympics, certified (coaching) or being part of the support staff. Special Olympics couldn't function as well as it does without your help.

What are the benefits for volunteers?

You will contribute to the physical, social and emotional development of the athletes you work with

Develop your coaching or administrative skills

Become a certified coach through the National Coaching Certification Program

What are the volunteer age requirements?

Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older, she/he has to have completed police reference check, and be registered with SOO as a volunteer.

Junior volunteers must be between ages 14 to 18 and they do not need to do a police reference check, must register with SOO as a volunteer, and will be supervised.

What certification is necessary?

Volunteers do not need certification unless they want to coach athletes.

Become a Volunteer or Coach

Volunteers are what make Special Olympics Barrie a success! Our Athletes look to our volunteers for inspiration, guidance and coaching. In return, our volunteers have amazing experiences and help make a difference!

The Benefits of Volunteering

As a grass-roots organization, Special Olympics relies on volunteers at all levels of the movement to ensure that every athlete is offered a quality sports training and competition experience. Volunteering for Special Olympics can be a life-changing experience — not just for the athletes, but for you as well. Special Olympics Ontario's programs promote participation and inclusion and transform the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. When volunteers come together with athletes with intellectual disabilities through Special Olympics, longstanding myths are dispelled, negative attitudes changed, and new opportunities to embrace and celebrate people with differences are created. 

Get connected, Get Trained, Get Started!

Click here to complete an online volunteer application form on our Membership Portal. This is the first step in a formal registration process to become an active volunteer. Your application form will be forwarded to a community contact for your program of interest.

* Please be advised that you must be 14 years of age or older to be a volunteer with Special Olympics. All volunteers 18 years of older must complete a valid police check (Vulnerable Sector Check).

Have any more questions?
For more information about volunteering with Special Olympics, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator per the "contact us" page