Special Olympics Kentucky depends on volunteers to run programs at the Local, Area, Regional and State Levels. Volunteers are the life-blood of Special Olympics as they enable sports training and competition opportunities to be offered to over 5,000 athletes throughout the state. Special Olympics Kentucky would not exist today without the time, energy, dedication and commitment of thousands of volunteers. Volunteers come from all walks of life: students, senior citizens, teachers, business people, family members, etc., coach athletes, support a statewide competition, be a timer at an Area event .... Opportunities are endless!
One Day Event Volunteers (Sports Competitions): Work at Local, Regional or State Level Tournaments or Competitions, i.e. 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. By checking this box on the Volunteer Form, you will receive notices throughout the year about volunteer opportunities near you.
Special Event Volunteers (Fundraisers): Work at Special Events Fundraisers such as Polar Bear Plunges & Plane Pulls, etc. Some events may require attendance at a training session prior to the event. Events range in time commitment from 4-6 hours on the day of the event.
Sports Official: Work at Regional and State Tournaments and Competitions, (i.e. softball, basketball, soccer, aquatics, etc.). National Governing Body certification is preferred but not required. However, individuals must have experience in at least the intramural level.
Sports Clinics: Work at SOKY Sports Camps and/or help conduct clinics at the Summer Games. Individuals would need to be experienced either at coaching, playing or officiating in the sport of interest.
Camp Counselor: Work at SOKY Sports Camps which are scheduled in the summer months. Most camps will involve 3-4 days and require overnight stays. Responsibilities could include: assisting athletes during sports sessions, providing supervision of athletes in dorms, chaperoning athletes to and from meals, participating in recreational activities with athletes, etc. Individuals must be at least 16 years of age and must complete a SOKY Volunteer Registration Form and be on Active Status.
Coaching: Serve as a Head Coach or Assistant Coach in one or several of the 17 sports offered. Individuals should have a working knowledge of the sport. Volunteering as a coach will require involvement on a weekly basis throughout the respective sport season, (12 – 20 week commitment depending on the sport). To be a Head Coach, individuals must be at least 18 years of age. An Assistant Coach must be at least 16 years of age. All coaches are required to attend a SOKY Volunteer Orientation. Individuals must also complete a SOKY Volunteer Registration Form and be on Active Status. It is mandatory that coaches receive sport-specific certification through the SOKY Coach Education Program.
Medical Team: Individuals would work with the SOKY Special Events Medical Team by providing medical services for athletes and volunteers at Tournaments and Competitions. Individuals will need at least First Aid and CPR training. Individuals must complete a SOKY Volunteer Registration Form and be on Active Status.
Local Program Committee: Work with Local Coordinators and/or Heads of Delegations in areas such as fundraising, accounting, event planning, public relations, etc. Must complete a SOKY Volunteer Registration Form and be on Active Status. Time commitment will vary.
Local Coordinator: Individuals would serve as a “Point of Contact” for Local Delegations or anyone inquiring about the Special Olympics Kentucky program. You would provide information to existing delegations and/or potential athletes, volunteers and sponsors. Individuals are required to attend a Local Coordinator training session and would need to complete a SOKY Volunteer Registration Form and be on Active Status.
Unified Sports Partner: Pair-up with a Special Olympics athlete in one of the following sports: golf, bowling and cheerleading. You will train together within the appropriate sport season and compete in Local, Regional and State Level Tournaments and Competitions. All partners are required to attend a SOKY Volunteer Orientation. Individuals must complete a SOKY Volunteer Registration Form and a Unified Sports Partner Form.
Competition Management: Become a member of a committee that is responsible for organizing and conducting SOKY Tournaments and Competitions. Time commitment would vary depending on the sports event and would involve time with pre-event planning and day of event management.
Play Activities: Individuals would work with children ages 5-7 who have a mental disability. Each Play Activities program runs for 6 weeks (meet once a week) and the goal is to introduce the children to group play and to Special Olympics. They become eligible for Special Olympics at age 8. Individuals would need to complete a SOKY Volunteer Registration Form and be on Active Status.
Administrative: Work in one of the SOKY offices to help with bulk mail projects, data entry and other miscellaneous projects. Offices are located in both Frankfort and Louisville.
Photography: Individuals with sports or event photography experience are needed to take pictures at SOKY events (both sports events and special events). Must provide your own camera and SOKY would provide the film.
Entertainment: Groups or individuals would provide entertainment at SOKY events. Entertainment could include: DJ music, magic shows, musical bands, variety shows, etc.
