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.
Potomac Region
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Capital Region
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James River
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Peninsula Region
Peninsula
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
Summer Games-Area 22 Photo
Pathway for Athlete Leadership

Area Council

Advise and support local Special Olympics programs by sharing athlete feedback and helping improve events in your community.



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Pathway for Athlete Leadership

Young Professionals Board (YPB)

Engage with young professionals to support the mission of Special Olympics Virginia through leadership, networking, and fundraising.

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Pathway for Athlete Leadership

Board of Directors (SOVA)

Help guide the overall direction of Special Olympics Virginia by participating in high-level decision-making and organizational planning.

Pathway for Athlete Leadership

Government Advocacy

Represent Special Olympics Virginia by meeting with legislators on the local, state and national levels. Advocate for inclusion, funding, and athlete rights through storytelling and public speaking.

Pathway for Athlete Leadership

Torch Run Executive Council (TR Exec)

Support Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) events and share athlete input to improve programs and partnerships with law enforcement.
Area Council

Eligibility Requirements:
  • 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 the Region Director/Program Director in the office closest to you.

Young Professionals Board (YPB)

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Active Special Olympics Virginia athlete

    Prior leadership experience preferred (e.g., Global Messenger, coach, team leader)

  • 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, event participation and membership dues (fee) requirements.

Note: Council positions are limited and subject to availability and approval. If interested, please read more about the board nearest you below. For questions and application information, please connect with:

Young Professionals Boards

Richmond Young Professionals Board

The Richmond Young Professionals Board was established in 2017. Since it's inaugural year, the board has raised more than $92,000 for the athletes of Special Olympics Virginia.

757 Young Professionals Board

Connect with young professionals in the 757 who are passionate about giving back and making Hampton Roads a better place to live, work and play, for all!

Northern Virginia Young Professionals Board

The Northern VA Young Professional Board was established in 2019. Since its inception, the board has collectively raised over $20,000 for the athletes of Special Olympics Virginia.
Board of Directors (SOVA)

Eligibility Requirements:
  • Special Olympics Virginia athlete for at least 3 years
  • Completed a term on their Area Council
  • 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 review by nominating committee and board vote. That process takes place each spring and the vote occurs at the June Board meeting 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)
  • Willing to participate in additional prep trainings (in-person or virtual)
  • Strong public speaking and communication skills/able to speak about how Special Olympics has improved your life
  • 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.

Torch Run Executive Council (TR Exec)

Eligibility Requirements:
  • Active Special Olympics Virginia athlete for at least 2 years & who continually participates in Torch Run events
    Prior leadership and speaking experience required (e.g., Global Messenger, coach, team leader)
  • Comfortable speaking in a group setting with athletes and law enforcement
  • Able to attend meetings (virtual or in person) and commit to a 3-year term
  • Must be recommended by a current TR Exec member and paired with a Law Enforcement mentor

Note: Council positions are limited and subject to availability and approval. If interested please inform Ellen Head.