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Find out what's happening in your area.
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Allowing athletes the option to formally volunteer gives them an opportunity to continue
their involvement with Special Olympics in new and challenging ways.
Many athletes report that after years of participating in Special Olympics, they feel they
have a grasp of the fundamentals of how the organization works and how they might like to
help provide the program as opposed to always being on the receiving side. Sometimes they
help out when parents or friends volunteer, but wish that they could be given a job to do
on their own. Many athletes report that they are looking for new activities and challenges.
Athlete volunteers provide a new source of reliable volunteers to help expand offerings in
sports and activities in which the athletes are most interested.
When athletes serve as equals in a volunteer capacity, they provide feedback and input to
Special Olympics leadership and other volunteers that makes everyone work harder and glean
more satisfaction from the effort. Athletes working in volunteer roles can explain what the
athlete thinks and sees at each stage of an event, and that perspective is critical to an
organization that prides itself on being athlete-centered.
Special Olympics has a three-hour workshop presentation and eight one-hour volunteer management
in-service modules to support this effort — resources available through Special Olympics
Athlete Leadership Programs (ALPs). As an integral
component of Special Olympics' dedication to empowerment and dignity, ALPs initiatives allow
athletes to explore opportunities for participation in roles previously considered "non-traditional"
— providing new opportunities for athletes and benefiting the movement as a whole.
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Work directly with the athletes, assist with competitions or assist in making our events
successful.
As a contributor, you are the springboard for the vision of Special Olympics, helping our
athletes better themselves and learn valuable lessons.
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"The athletes of Special Olympics Idaho remind us that triumph over adversity are reflections of the heart of America."
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- Corporate Partner
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