When are Special Olympics competitions?
There are several events held throughout the year including six State Games plus many special events and area competitions. To view upcoming events, visit our calendar.
What are the volunteer age requirements?
We welcome volunteers eight years of age and older. Volunteer under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult when participating. Anyone under 8 years old is welcome to come be a Fan in the Stands to cheer on the athletes at SOCO events, and must be supervised by an adult.
How do I volunteer?
If you are interested in volunteering for a single day event, you can register online through our calendar. For Coaching/Unified Partner (an athlete without intellectual disabilities) volunteer opportunities, please visit our Become a Coach or Unified Partner (an athlete without intellectual disabilities) pages. Learn of the many additional ways to be involved on our Volunteer Opportunities page.
What is the Protective Behaviors Training?
Protective Behaviors is a training program for volunteers to help prevent the sexual, physical and emotional abuse of Special Olympics athletes. It consists of an online training, followed by a 10 question test. To complete the training, volunteers must correctly answer 10 out of 10 questions. After you have finished and submitted the test, a confirmation email will be sent to you and SOCO, who will keep a record of your training. Click here to complete the Protective Behaviors training.
Do I need to take the Protective Behaviors Training?
We highly encourage ALL volunteers to complete the training because it is an excellent guide on how to look out for and prevent the abuse of our athletes. It is MANDATORY that all Class A volunteers, 16 years or older, take the Protective Behaviors Training. Class A volunteers are defined as volunteers who have regular, close physical contact with athletes; volunteers in a position of authority or supervision with athletes; volunteers in a position of trust with athletes; volunteers who handle substantial amounts of cash or other assets of the program.
How often do I need to complete the Protective Behaviors Training?
Training needs to be completed every 3 years, along with your application or renewal application. SOCO records everyone that has completed the training and the information is kept in our database.
Where can I see a list of upcoming SOCO events that you need volunteers for?
Visit our Calendar to see upcoming events that you can volunteer for. An online registration is attached to each event where volunteers are needed. You can also sign up to receive the SOCO e-newsletter, which lists updated volunteer opportunities. You can also contact Kady Moore, Volunteer and Family Manager, by email or phone 720.359.3103 if you have any questions.
How do I volunteer with an area program close to me?
Visit our calendar to register online for a local event or contact your Area Manager for a list of local opportunities in your area.
How do I become a SOCO coach?
To become a coach, you must be certified through SOCO in the sport that you wish to coach. Find information on the Become a Coach page, or contact Jenny Chase with any questions.
If I am already a coach, how often do I need to renew my Class A volunteer application?
Class A volunteer applications expire 3 years after your initial application date. Follow the Recertification procedure outlined on the Become a Coach page for existing coaches who need to renew their application.
What is the time commitment for volunteering at an event?
Volunteer shift times vary depending on the event. Volunteers are required to stay for the entire shift that they are assigned to, and usually shift times run 4-8 hours long. Schedules are always flexible before an event as long as the volunteer notifies the state office before the event.
What is the difference between a State Game and a special event?
The State Games are Olympic-type competitions that are held four times a year. The events included are comprehensive, thus the need for many volunteers to help with competitions and social activities. The State Games typically require anywhere from 100 volunteers to 500 volunteers.
Special Events are state fundraising events that Special Olympics Colorado hosts. We typically need fewer volunteers to host these events. We appreciate your interest in volunteering for any and all of our events. For a list of the types of roles for volunteers at our State Games and Special Events, click here.
Where are events held?
Events are held throughout the five different area programs across Colorado. State Games are held throughout the state, while most of the Special Events are held in the Denver metro area.
How can I get a group/my company involved?
We are always looking for groups and companies to get involved with Special Olympics Colorado. Certain events, like the State Games, are very large and require more volunteers than some of our local competitions or Special Events, so we encourage you to seek out opportunities for those events first. You can register a group online or contact Kady Moore, Volunteer and Family Manager, by email or phone 720.359.3103 to get your group involved.
If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities, click here.
Do you need administrative help in the office?
We are always looking for volunteers who can come into the SOCO state office to help with general office duties. We are looking for help during regular business hours. If you would like to volunteer in the SOCO office, please contact Kady Moore, Volunteer and Family Manager, by email or phone 720.359.3103 to set up a schedule.
I need to keep track of my volunteer hours for school, work, etc. How do I get a record of my volunteer time?
You can bring a volunteer form with you for someone to sign at the event or you can contact Kady Moore, Volunteer and Family Manager, by email or phone 720.359.3103 after the event and she will send you a letter with your volunteer hours.
Volunteers are truly the very backbone of the Special Olympics Colorado program!
