Job Descriptions

There are many ways that volunteers can get involved in Special Olympics in Illinois. Below is a list of the great variety of roles that are available:

Sports Training

• Serve as certified Special Olympics coaches
• Help run Special Olympics sports camps
• Organize, coach or play on Unified Sports teams
• Obtain equipment for Special Olympics athletes
• Use specific sports expertise to help set up sports clinics or Special Olympics training schools
• Train individuals with more severe disabilities through the Motor Activities Training Program

Competitions

• Serve as a driver or food service worker at competitions or assist with registration, computer input or data processing
• Serve as Games Director, certified official or team manager at Special Olympics competitions
• Organize events, such as Olympic Town, for athletes
• Conduct clinics or demonstrations in a new sport

Schools

• Include Special Olympics sports training programs in an existing adapted physical education curriculum
• Utilize the Special Olympics Sports Skills Program Guides in an after-school sports program
• Start Special Olympics Unified Sports teams
• Open school facilities to Special Olympics events
• Provide support at Special Olympics events
• Help start Special Olympics Partners Clubs
• Organize members of school sports teams to become certified Special Olympics coaches or officials
• Conduct Special Olympics sports competitions or demonstrations during regular sports events

Fund Raising

• Support the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics through corporate sponsorship or “Adopt-A-Cop”
• Make financial or in-kind donations as individuals or through a business
• Conduct fund-raising campaigns in schools or through a civic group, church, or other organization
• Name Special Olympics as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy, will, or employee payroll deduction

Professional

• Establish a Special Olympics program in workplaces employing individuals with intellectual disabilities
• Provide medical support including free physicals and X-rays or provide pro bono legal or accounting services
• Contribute specific skills to help Special Olympics
• Sponsor or adopt Special Olympics teams
• Make donations of goods, services, or vital office supplies to local Special Olympics programs

Public Awareness

• Write articles about Special Olympics athletes, families and coaches, or join speakers bureaus
• Volunteer copy writing, photography or public relations skills to local, state or national Special Olympics programs
• Take part in telephone campaigns to inform people about Special Olympics
• Help staff the media center or serve as a press escort at a Special Olympics event
• Train Special Olympics athletes to give presentations through the Global Messenger program

Administration

• Serve on Chapter/National Program board of directors, or Area committees
• Help special education teachers or Special Olympics coaches prepare registration and medical forms
• Contribute typing, filing and computer skills as volunteers in Special Olympics offices
• Distribute materials for a Special Olympics event
• Help Special Olympics with mass-mailing projects

Civic Groups

• Provide support for Special Olympics programs
• Adopt local Special Olympics teams
• Organize Unified Sports teams by combining group members with Special Olympics athletes
• Encourage group members to volunteer their professional services to Special Olympics programs

Friends of Special Olympics Athletes

• Serve as greeters, escorts and cheerleaders at Special Olympics Games
• Take part in recreational or social outings such as a hike or a picnic with Special Olympics athletes
• Transport athletes to practice and competitions
• Work as a volunteer at a group home or institution