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
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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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Health & Fitness Navigator

Fitness Coach
Special Olympics Virginia’s Health & Fitness Navigator roles empower athletes to lead healthier lives while inspiring others to do the same. These leaders serve as role models, motivators, and educators in their communities.
Ways To Get Involved
Fitness Captain
Pathway for Athlete Leadership

Fitness Captain

Lead warm-ups and cool-downs at practices, Fitness Clubs, or Walking Clubs while encouraging teammates to stay active.

Fitness in Sport Coach
Pathway for Athlete Leadership

Fitness Coach

Support teams in building healthy habits like stretching, hydration, and fitness tracking.

Pathway for Athlete Leadership

Medical/First Aid Support

Work alongside medical professionals to provide basic first aid and safety support at Special Olympics events.

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Pathway for Athlete Leadership

Health Messenger

Serve as a health and wellness leader who educates others, advocates for healthy living, and sets a positive example in the community.



Fitness Captain

Eligibility Requirements:
  • Nominated by local coach to begin process and approved by Local Program Coordinator.
  • Special Olympics Virginia eligible athlete

  • Completes in-person Fitness Captain training through Special Olympics Virginia
  • Enjoys being active, encouraging others and is comfortable speaking in front of a group
  • Demonstrates teamwork, dependability, and a positive attitude

Note: Positions are subject to availability within the local program. For more about Fitness Clubs and to connect with the one closest to you or start a new one, click here.

Fitness Coach

Eligibility Requirements:
  • Nominated by local coach to begin process and approved by Local Program Coordinator
  • Be a positive role model, team player, and good communicator.

  • Work well with a coach or mentor while showing leadership and interest in health and wellness.
  • Leads by example by living a regularly active lifestyle and prioritizing exercise.
  • Has their own personal fitness goals (experience preferred).
  • Note: Positions are subject to availability within the local program. For more about Fitness Clubs and to connect with the one closest to you or start a new one, click here.
Medical/First Aid Support

Eligibility Requirements:
  • Must be 18 or older
  • Experience or training in the medical field: physician, athletic trainer, physical therapist, nurse, EMT, etc.
  • Calm under pressure and able to follow safety instructions
  • Detail-oriented, dependable, and respectful

Note: Positions are limited and subject to availability. Please reach out to the Events & Competition team to learn more about what opportunities are available.

Health Messenger

Eligibility Requirements:
  • Current Special Olympics Virginia athlete
  • Prior Global Messenger experience preferred (not required)
  • Passionate about health and making a difference

Please reach out to Dave Pawlowski for more information and next steps.