Become A Volunteer

There are so many different ways to volunteer with Special Olympics North Carolina!

Volunteers are the heartbeat of our organization and help make Special Olympics possible. There is always something to do.

View our current opportunities

Current volunteer opportunities

Special Olympics Southeast U.S. Swimming Invitational
April 29
Greensboro

Special Olympics NC Headquarters Office Support
Year round
Morrisville

Special Olympics holds events throughout the state year-round.
Get involved in your community!

Volunteers are the backbone of Special Olympics North Carolina. We could not exist without the dedication of thousands of you. In North Carolina, we count on over 40,000 volunteers across the state. The time, energy and enthusiasm of volunteers fuel our movement and make our athletes’ dreams a reality.

At Special Olympics North Carolina, there is a place for everyone. Sports-minded individuals can find a place coaching or assisting at practice or events. Local business people can utilize their talents as part of our Games Management Team. Students can devote their passion to a competition and retirees can support in a multitude of roles out in the field or in the office. At the end of the day, all volunteers have one thing in common, pride in knowing they are making a difference in the lives of Special Olympics athletes.

DAY-OF EVENT VOLUNTEERS

Day of event volunteers are people who assist participate at Special Olympics North Carolina events and games, but are not necessarily in contact with athletes on a regular basis.
No application is required, but day of event volunteers must provide a photo ID upon check-in.

Examples: power team, score-keeping, timing, staging of athletes and event assistants

CLASS A VOLUNTEERS

Class A volunteers are volunteers serving in a leadership role with Special Olympics. This is any position of authority in Special Olympics including games management team members, coaches, chaperones, committee members and anyone handling money on behalf of the organization. Medical volunteers should be certified health care professionals, such as doctors, PAs, nurses, EMT/Fire personnel, athletic trainers. Students training in a health care profession may volunteer alongside a certified professional.

Class A volunteers must:

complete the 15 minute online Protective Behaviors Training
fill out a Volunteer Screening Form granting SONC permission to run a background check on them. If you are serving in a Class A volunteer role, please reach out to your local coordinator to get the Volunteer Screening Form!

We care about your privacy! Please read the SONC Volunteer Privacy Statement to see what we are doing to protect your vital information.

Volunteer assignments

Have you signed up to volunteer at one of our events? If you signed up online look in your inbox for an email from volunteers@sonc.net or VolunteerLocal. If you need to cancel please cancel your shift within the VolunteerLocal via the email address that you used to sign up.

Volunteer training

Being familiar with your job as a volunteer will make you more effective, ensure a quality event for the athletes and make your experience more enjoyable and rewarding. We appreciate your taking the time to review the provided materials.

Volunteer General Orientation

Volunteer Handbook

Watch the athletes tell you how to best work with them!