Volunteer with Special Olympics CO

A “Class A” volunteer is an individual in a position of trust who has regular and close contact with Special Olympics Colorado athletes. This may also be a person who handles money or that needs credentials to access company equipment, information and services. Examples of “Class A” volunteers are Coaches, Unified Partners, Chaperones, Alps U Mentors, Office/Administrative Volunteers, Games Organizing Committee Members, etc.) A Protective Behaviors and Concussion Training are part of the registration process for all Class A volunteers. For those age 18 and older, a criminal background check is also required. These measures are taken out of extreme caution to protect and ensure the utmost safety of our athletes.

• A “Class B” volunteer is an event-day volunteer who does not have athlete supervisory responsibilities. This opportunity includes helping with a single day fundraising event or sporting competition. Event-Day volunteer shifts are typically a 4-6 hour, one-time commitment on a Saturday or Sunday. Class B volunteers are able to pre-register online for the event of their choice via the Special Olympics Colorado website. Upon arriving to the event, volunteers check in at the volunteer registration table and are required to sign a

Class B waiver

for participation. Minors are required to have a parent/guardian signature.

• 16 years and older are eligible to volunteer by themselves
• 8-15 year olds must be accompanied by parent, guardian, or chaperone
• 7 years and younger are not given volunteer assignments, but are welcomed and encouraged to attend as “fans in the stands” and cheer on our athletes. They MUST be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or chaperone. Those age 7 and younger should not officially register for a volunteer role online.
• 8-15 year olds who are volunteering in a group require a 3 to 1 ratio-meaning one adult (18 years old or older) for every three minors. These groups usually include scout troops, school classes, church groups, etc.

The upcoming volunteer opportunities can be found on the Special Olympics Colorado volunteer webpage, under the section header “Upcoming Events” The events listed there are only those that are currently open for registration. For an overview of all events being offered throughout the entire year, click here to view our online Special Olympics Colorado calendar of events.

Online volunteer registration typically opens 6-8 weeks ahead of a scheduled event. From the Special Olympics Colorado volunteer webpage, volunteers can click on the link associated with the event that they are interested in attending. These opportunities are listed under the section “Upcoming Events”.

Once a volunteer clicks on a particular event link, it will take them to the online registration page for that event where they will then be able to register for their preferred volunteer role and shift time. All pertinent event information (time, location, responsibilities, etc.) is included on the registration page.

Those who sign up to volunteer will also receive a detailed email from Special Olympics Colorado a few days ahead of their scheduled event. This email will include any additional details such as parking instructions, an event timeline and other reminders.

Event-Day volunteer responsibilities vary based on the event and/or sporting competition that the volunteer has selected to attend. Roles may include: scorekeeping, keeping time, shagging balls, staging athletes, being a course marshall, being a fan in the stands and assisting with other event roles such as event registration, set-up and tear-down. Volunteers are provided training in their roles on the day of the event by Special Olympics Colorado staff. Prior experience is not required.

• Special Olympics Colorado offers training and competition in 21 different sports throughout the year.

Click here

to view a breakdown of all sports offered by season.