Find Special Olympics Near Me

Find your local region and help make our community a better, healthier, and more joyful place—one athlete, one volunteer, one family member at a time.

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Peninsula Region

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Piedmont Region

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Rappahannock Region

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Southeast Region

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Southwest Region

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Shenandoah Region

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Athlete Representative

Ways To Get Involved As An Athlete Representative

Area Council

Eligibility Requirements:

Completed Unified Leadership Modules (Ed App)
Modules 1–2 required; Modules 3–6 suggested after first term

Willing to listen, speak up respectfully, and attend regular council meetings (virtual or in person)

Demonstrates positive behavior, teamwork, and dependability

No prior leadership experience needed—just a positive attitude and a desire to learn

Willing to share input with the Athlete Representative on the Board of Directors

Note: Council positions are limited and subject to availability and approval. If interested please contact your Region Director.

Young Professionals Board (YPB)

Eligibility Requirements:

Active Special Olympics Virginia athlete
Prior leadership experience preferred (e.g., Global Messenger, coach, team leader)

Completed Unified Leadership Modules (Ed App)
Modules 1–2 required; Modules 3–6 suggested

Completed IDE (Inclusion, Diversity & Equity) Ed App training

Demonstrates leadership, professionalism, and commitment to teamwork

Comfortable working alongside young professionals without disabilities

Willing to attend quarterly board meetings and monthly committee meetings

Must meet all fundraising and event participation requirements.

Note: Council positions are limited and subject to availability and approval. If interested please contact your region director.

Young Professionals Boards

Board of Directors (SOVA)

Eligibility Requirements:

Special Olympics Virginia athlete for at least 3 years

Completed a term on the Area Council

Completed all 6 Unified Leadership Modules (2 Core + 4 Advanced)

Completed IDE Ed App training (required for all board members)

Leadership experience in at least one role (e.g., Coach, Global Messenger, Torch Run Executive Council)

Commit to attend 4 meetings per year (in person, but virtual options are offered if needed).

Demonstrates maturity, reliability, and a strong passion for Special Olympics

Able to speak clearly, listen respectfully, and collaborate with board members

Must be nominated by a staff member or mentor who will provide ongoing support

Willing to serve as the Virginia Representative to the Mid Atlantic Athlete Leadership Council.

Term: 3 years (may serve a second term if re-elected)

Note: Board positions are limited and subject to availability and approval. If interested please contact David Thomason

Government Advocacy

Eligibility Requirements:

Active Special Olympics Virginia athlete for at least 2 years
Prior leadership and speaking experience required (e.g., Global Messenger, coach, team leader)

Completed Unified Leadership Modules (Ed App)
Modules 1–2 required; Modules 3–6 suggested

Completed IDE (Inclusion, Diversity & Equity) Ed App training suggested

Willing to participate in additional prep trainings (in-person or virtual)

Strong public speaking and communication skills

Able to travel to Richmond or Washington, D.C. with a staff member or mentor

Demonstrates professionalism and follows instructions carefully

Must be nominated by a staff member or mentor who will provide ongoing support

Note: Opportunities are limited and subject to availability and approval. If interested please inform David Thomason.