Be a fanTM
Special Olympics Missouri offers a number of ways for individuals to be a fan and make a difference for our athletes. There are thousands of athletes waiting for coaches, sponsors and volunteers like you.
Whether you're a coach, official, committee member or assistant at a competition, you'll experience the way sports should be. Special Olympics athletes are excited to play, respectful of players and officials, and devoted to their coaches. With your time, energy and enthusiasm, you can help our athletes be great.
You can get involved by volunteering just a few hours of your time at a specific event, or for several weeks during a season as a coach. Or you can help with local and community program administration. Volunteering for Special Olympics can create lifelong friendships and rewards of immeasurable value.
Who Can Be a Fan
Anyone can be a fan! Our volunteers are a diverse and dedicated group of people. They come from all walks of life, including:
- civic and fraternal groups
- college and high school students, coaches and teachers
- church groups
- law enforcement officials
- military personnel
- senior citizens
- amateur and professional athletes
- corporate work groups
- parents and families
- sports officials
- youth coaches
How You Can Be a Fan
It's easy to be a fan! The first step is to help eliminate the "r-word" by making a pledge to not use the word "retarded." By helping us eliminate the word, we'll be erasing negative stereotypes of people with mental disabilities. The next step to being a fan is to figure out where you fit in the SOMO family.
Special Olympics Missouri's greatest volunteer need is coaching. There are 21 sports to choose from and thousands of athletes who need a coach. More than 15,000 athletes from around the state benefit from participation in the program and thousands more waiting on the sidelines. You do not need to have coaching experience to get involved. You can assist other coaches and provide instructional training at practices, camps and special events.
There is always a need for short- and long-term volunteers off the playing field as well. Be a fan in your area by joining a planning committee or volunteering at a specific event. Contact your Area Director for more information.
Don't have a lot of time to commit? Consider making a donation that will help us provide this life-changing program to our athletes. Better yet, get your business involved as a sponsor.
From helping at a specific event, to coaching or officiating, your time and enthusiasm can help our athletes accomplish great things. And your work and support helps Special Olympics promote awareness about the abilities of children and adults with mental disabilities. Learn more about specific ways you can get involved as a volunteer, or consider a donation to help an aspiring athlete fulfill his or her potential and dreams.