Become A Volunteer!
Special Olympics Manitoba is a volunteer-based organization. Currently, over 800 coaches, officials, fundraisers, and administrators provide support to our 1800+ athletes and make a difference in their lives.
Our community of volunteers is the backbone of the organization. Without their time, energy, commitment, and enthusiasm, we would simply not exist. Our success depends on the dedication and skills of our many volunteers.
Apply to volunteer with SOM today by clicking this link (it will take you offsite to the Special Olympics Canada registration portal).
Benefits of Volunteering and Becoming a Coach with SOM
- Help athletes with an intellectual disability achieve their goals and reach their full potential
- Improve your coaching and/or administrative skills for personal and professional development
- Build your resume
- Have the opportunity to travel and to experience competitions from the Regional to the International level
- Build friendships and make networking connections
- Pursue training and continuing education
- Stay active in sport and in your community
- Use your skills to help others
- Gain volunteer hours for school programs
- Participate in recognition events
- Most importantly, experience the joy of working with our athletes and capture the spirit of Special Olympics
Become a Volunteer/Coach – Onboarding Process
Step 1: Volunteer Application Form
In order to get started with us, please fill out the Volunteer Application Form (this link will take you offsite to the Special Olympics Canada registration portal). Once we receive your application, SOM will contact you within five business days about the next 3 steps in the process.
Step 2: Additional Forms and Screening
All volunteers are required to complete the Volunteer Orientation and screening, including a Criminal Record Check (if becoming a program volunteer or coach). As well as fill out the necessary volunteer forms to complete the application process. The level of screening in the volunteer application process varies according to the level of responsibility in each volunteer position. This is for risk management purposes to ensure all volunteers and athletes are safe and protected.
Step 3: Volunteer Placement
After submission of all volunteer forms and approval of your application, SOM will contact you and you will be offered a volunteer position if a successful match is made between your abilities, skills, and an available position. If you decide to accept the offer, a start date will be discussed with you. You will then receive information on the next steps for training.
Step 4: Training and Development
Volunteers have the opportunity to take advantage of many training and educational opportunities. Special Olympics Manitoba offers a number of training sessions throughout the year, including the Provincial Conference with sessions and Special Olympics Canada Competition Coach Workshop. More information about training can be provided by contacting the SOM provincial office.
Volunteer Opportunities & Descriptions
Program Volunteers & Coaches
Join the team of program volunteers and coaches who directly provide training for athletes in eighteen different sports. They work with athletes to improve basic motor skills, teach sport-specific skills, and prepare athletes for competition. The time commitment is one to two sessions each week for 1 to 2 ½ hours. Some weekends are required for competition. Be a part of athletes achieving their goals and help capture the spirit of Special Olympics!
Event Volunteer
Experience the energy of a Special Olympics Manitoba event! Spend an exciting day at a competition timing races, measuring long jumps, serving lunches and much more. Special Olympics Manitoba also holds many fundraising events throughout the year. Attend one of these fun events as a volunteer and assist with raffle tickets, auction, set-up and take part in the production of a huge event.
Upcoming Event Volunteer Opportunities
FEB 24 – 26, 2023: SOM Provincial Winter Games | SIGN UP HERE!
Committee Volunteer
Share your expertise and talents on a planning committee. Gain new leadership and organizational skills, or utilize your creative side by organizing a fundraising event or competition. You can also donate your skills to the regional leadership team, a committee that supports the programs and activities of each Special Olympics region in Manitoba. Meet new people and take pride in making things happen!
Office Support Volunteer
Are you available during the daytime and enjoy the office environment? Spend a few hours assisting staff with a mail-out, data entry or filing. Build your resume and gain new skills.
Other Volunteer Positions
Do you have a unique talent to offer Special Olympics Manitoba? We have photographers, singers for the National Anthem, newsletter designers, etc. Let us know what your skills are, and we will explore a possible match within the needs of the organization.
For more information about volunteering, please contact:
Kayla Kasian
Manager, Program Services
204-781-1714 (toll-free 1.888.333.9179)
kkasian@specialolympics.mb.ca