Become A Volunteer

Volunteers are the backbone of Special Olympics PA – Philadelphia. We could not exist without the dedication of hundreds of volunteers. The time, energy, and enthusiasm of volunteers fuel our movement and make our athletes’ dreams a reality. There is a place for everyone in our organization. All of our volunteers have one thing in common – a sense of personal pride knowing they are changing the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities. As a volunteer, you can expect to get much more than you give as our athletes will make a positive impact on your life.

Sign up to be a volunteer with Special Olympics PA – Philadelphia

As the SOPA Philadelphia program returns to in-person programming, please note the following updates to our program participation and registration process:

• Athletes, Coaches and Volunteers are required to complete an online COMMUNICABLE DISEASES Waiver

• Please complete the Philadelphia Volunteer Interest form to receive more information about requirements, registration and a link to the Communicable Disease waiver.

• If you have questions or comments please feel free to email Michelle Cordell at mcordell@specialolympicspa.org. (This includes current and new volunteers)

ALL NEW AND RETURNING PARTICIPANTS (ATHLETES & VOLUNTEERS) MUST REGISTER AND COMPLETE THE WAIVER PRIOR TO ATTENDING ANY ACTIVITIES AT A TRAINING SITE

VOLUNTEER CLASSIFICATIONS

cLASS a vOLUNTEER

Volunteers who are or may be in immediate contact with athletes such as coaches, Unified Partners (individuals without intellectual disabilities who train and compete alongside our athletes), chaperones, drivers, and overnight hosts, as well as volunteers with administrative (management team members, etc.) and fiscal authority. These volunteers will have a PA State Police Criminal Record Check, PA Child Abuse Clearance, and a National Record Check conducted prior to volunteering in this category. Additionally, a fingerprint-based federal criminal history is required if the volunteer has lived outside of the Commonwealth of PA in the last 10 years.

• Become a coach or assistant coach in your favorite sports. Special Olympics PA – Philly offers 11 different sports throughout the year, so you’re sure to find a sport that interests you! 
• Intern with us and help us keep our programing going strong!

CLASS B VOLUNTEER

Volunteers with casual or limited contact with athletes such as sub-committee members, officials, event management team members, etc.

• Serve on our Young Professionals Committee or Executive Advisory Board
• Help us plan our fundraising events on the Event Committee

ONE DAY VOLUNTEER

One day volunteers assist at one-day events; this can include our fundraising events or one of our competitions

• Volunteer or cheer at one of our community competitions: Gymnastics Tournament, Philadelphia Spring Games, Volleyball Tournament, Bowling Tournament
• Volunteer or cheer at one of our Unified Champion School Events: Interscholastic Unified Sports League Play Days and Championships: Bocce, Soccer, Futsal, Track & Field, Youth Summits
• Volunteer at one of our fundraising events: Leprechaun Run, UNcathlon, Philadelphia Polar Plunge

OTHER WAYS TO HELP

• If you are in law enforcement, you can be a part of our Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR)
• If you are a teacher or work in a job that brings you in contact with individuals with intellectual disabilities – help us recruit Special Olympics PA – Philadelphia athletes (details here)!
• Publicize Special Olympics where you live and work
• Provide or assist in getting in-kind donations of products and/or services for a competition or fundraising event
• Enlist your organization to sponsor a Special Olympics PA, Philadelphia competition or fundraising event