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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SOVA Ambassador

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Ways To Get Involved
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Pathway for Athlete Leadership

Global Messenger

Serve as a spokesperson for Special Olympics by giving speeches, attending events, and sharing the mission with the community.
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Pathway for Athlete Leadership

Athlete Activation Team

Represent Special Olympics Virginia at events, fundraisers, and media appearances—both in person and virtually—to help build connections and inspire support.
Global Messenger

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Active Special Olympics Virginia athlete for at least 2 years
  • Complete Unified Leadership Modules 1-6 (Ed App)
  • Commit to a 2-year term with an in-person training each year, in addition to attending other required trainings
  • Represent Special Olympics with professionalism and respect, demonstrating commitment and passion for its mission and philosophy
  • Comfortable with public speaking and ability to prepare and deliver a speech (via speech, gestures, or communication device)
  • Must have a mentor for support.

  • Note: Positions are limited. More information and application details can be found here.
Athlete Activation Team

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Active Special Olympics Virginia athlete for at least 2 years

  • Suggested to complete Unified Leadership Modules 1-2 (Ed App) but not required

  • Interested in representing SOVA at events, photoshoots, donor thank-yous, competitions, and more

  • Friendly, reliable, and excited to share enthusiasm for Special Olympics

  • No public speaking required—this is a great role for athletes who want to represent SOVA in casual ways (smiles, handshakes, short greetings)

  • Learn more and register here
"I don't need easy, I just need possible"
Chelsea Gaughran