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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Sports Leader

Ways To Get Involved As Sports Leader
Pathway for Athlete Leadership

Sport Assistant

Support team practices by helping with drills, encouraging athletes, and creating a positive team environment.

Pathway for Athlete Leadership

Coach Level 1

Assist with team practices and learn basic coaching skills through training and mentorship.
Pathway for Athlete Leadership

Coach Level 2

Help lead the team at practices and competitions by supporting athletes, managing logistics, and modeling team spirit.
Pathway for Athlete Leadership

Coach Level 3

Co-lead practices or competitions with certified coaches; take on leadership roles within the team.

Pathway for Athlete Leadership

Divisioning Team Member

Help ensure fair and competitive matchups by observing athletes during divisioning and taking notes.

Pathway for Athlete Leadership

Referee/Official

Support competitions by helping officiate, track scores, manage timing, and apply rules fairly.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR SPORTS LEADERS

The pathway to Athlete Leadership begins with an application, not a guarantee. While our goal is foster leadership in as many athletes as possible, acceptance into a pathway is based not only on your experience, training and the recommendations of your Area Coordinator, but also the space available in the program.
Resources & Guidance - For Athletes
Resources & Guidance - For Coaches & Area Leadership

Sport Assistant

Eligibility Requirements:
  • Positive attitude and commitment to athlete success
  • Commit to weekly support of your team for the duration of the sports season
  • Nomination by an area council member or existing coach

Note: Coaching positions are subject to availability within the local program. If interested please contact the Region Director/Program Director in the office closest to you. Area Coordinators and Local Leadership will be contacted.

Coach Level 1

Eligibility Requirements:
  • Approved by Local Program Coordinator
  • Age 16 or older
  • Positive role model and team player
  • Willing to work with a coach mentor
  • Commit to weekly support of your team for the duration of the sports season
  • Nomination by an area council member or existing coach

Note: Coaching positions are subject to availability within the local program. If interested please contact the Region Director/Program Director in the office closest to you. Area Coordinators and Local Leadership will be contacted.

Coach Level 2

Eligibility Requirements:
  • Approved by Local Program Coordinator

  • Meets all Level 1 requirements. In addition to

    • Sports specific course online for those sports where online courses have been developed or in person sport specific training
  • Demonstrates strong time management and focus at events
  • Positive, encouraging, and reliable
  • Commit to weekly support of your team for the duration of the sports season
  • Nomination by an area council member or existing coach

Note: Coaching positions are subject to availability within the local program. If interested please contact the Region Director/Program Director in the office closest to you. Area Coordinators and Local Leadership will be contacted.

Coach Level 3

Eligibility Requirements:
  • Approved by Local Program Coordinator
  • Demonstrates strong planning, communication, and leadership skills, and is comfortable giving direction in team settings
  • Commit to weekly support of your team for the duration of the sports season
  • Nomination by an area council member or existing coach

Note: Coaching positions are subject to availability within the local program. If interested please contact the Region Director/Program Director in the office closest to you. Area Coordinators and Local Leadership will be contacted.

Divisioning Team Member

Eligibility Requirements:
  • Knowledge of sport rules (Special Olympics or governing body certified, depending on sport level)
  • Observant, detail-oriented, and respectful
  • Able to work well with officials and volunteers

Note: Please reach out to the Events & Competition team for more information on opportunities available in your area.

Referee/Official

Purpose: Support competitions by helping officiate, track scores, manage timing, and apply rules fairly.

Eligibility Requirements:
  • May require official certification (for sports like softball, soccer, basketball, bocce)
  • Knowledge of sport rules (Special Olympics or governing body certified, depending on sport level)

Note: Please reach out to the Events & Competition team for more information on opportunities available in your area.