Family Involvement

      Families are Special Olympics most powerful resources.  Parents and family members can help coach, transport athletes, help fundraise, officiate and chaperone.  It is critical that parents and family members take an active role in Special Olympics activities with their son or daughter.
 
Special Olympics provides an opportunity...
- For families to share in the accomplishments of their children.
- For athletes to share the Special Olympics joy with other families.
- For the extended family to be part of a sports program.

How you as a Family Member Can Be Involved
ATHLETE HOME TRAINING:  Family involvement in the training process is critical to the complete preparation of the Special Olympics athlete for competition.  Therefore, there is a need to include parents and families in the athlete training process, as athletes along with family members can work on individual sports skills and participate in general fitness activities.

COACHING:  Serve as a Coach in one of the 17 sports offered by Special Olympics Kentucky.  Volunteering as a coach will require involvement on a weekly basis throughout the respective sport season.  All  coaches are required to attend a SOKY Volunteer Orientation, (1 ½ hour session).  Must complete a Special Olympics Kentucky Volunteer Registration Form and be on Active Status.

CHAPERONE:  Family members can serve as chaperones and work one-day or weekend events.  All chaperones must attend a SOKY Volunteer Orientation, (1 ½ hour session), and must also complete a Special Olympics Kentucky Volunteer Registration Form and be on Active Status.

ONE DAY EVENT VOLUNTEERS:  Family members can work at Local, Area, Regional or State Level Tournaments and Competitions;  i.e., bookkeeper for basketball or softball, timer on the track, scorekeeper for bowling, awards, etc.  Some events may require attendance at a training session prior to the event.  Events range in time commitment from 2-6 hours on the day of the event.

LOCAL PROGRAM COMMITTEE:  Family members can work closely with their Local Coordinator, Head of Delegation or Head Coach in areas such as fundraising, accounting, event planning, etc.  Time commitment will vary.  Must complete a Special Olympics Volunteer Registration Form and be on Active Status.