Special Olympics is about transforming lives, including your own. It is about a spirit of giving and teamwork. It is about making your community and neighborhood a more welcoming and accepting place for people of all abilities. It is also about creating lifelong friendships and finding a new way of thinking about others. Our volunteers include coaches who work with athletes many times a week, the people who help organize and plan our local and state competitions, health professionals that provide free health screenings, scorekeepers, the clean-up crew, the fundraisers and those who provide administration duties in our office...just to name a few. All around Florida, Special Olympics trainings, competitions, health & fitness, and fundraising events are happening 365 days a year.
Get involved -- become a volunteer!
Below are testimonials shared with us by some of our volunteers!
“I was inspired to coach while watching my son participate in Special Olympics events. There were so many athletes that wanted to learn and to play, but very few coaches. I wanted to give every athlete the opportunity to learn and compete. My favorite memory as a coach is watching a young lady win a gold medal in Stand Up Paddle (SUP) at State competition, after her mother had been told by a doctor that she couldn’t do it because she lacked the balance and coordination. So many people say they want to make a difference in the world, but don’t ever do anything about it. If someone truly wants to make a difference, they can really have a meaningful impact by helping someone, or a whole team of individuals with an intellectual disability have the same opportunity to train, compete, and have fun with their peers, as any typical. athlete.”
Christopher Schaier Duval County, Coach Since 2015
“It is so important to support our athletes not just in sports, but in other areas of their lives. Mentoring Athlete Leaders provides opportunities to develop skills they can take into their communities to be advocates for others and contribute to their communities. It is so rewarding to see athletes grow in their skills, develop confidence, become involved in activities and put themselves out there asking questions, learning new things and providing the world examples of what they can do."
Kristin Radloff Putnam County, Coach, Mentor & Volunteer Coordinator
“I first became involved with Special Olympics as part of a community service project with my dental hygiene students. My students educated the athletes face to face and helped to create virtual presentations that they and students from around the state used during the COVID pandemic. As we worked with the special needs population and saw the oral health challenges that these individuals face, I wanted to champion their cause by becoming more directly involved. I began to better understand the full extent of the dental challenges of those with intellectual disabilities and wanted to become a part of helping to break down some of the barriers that they face. That led me to the role that I now serve as a Clinical Director for Northeast Florida. I have a special place in my heart for this population and will serve as long as I am able!"
Cindy Wampler Healthy Athletes Special Smiles Clinical Director Since 2020
"Every moment I spend with our athletes is memorable. With each and every volunteer opportunity, I feel so blessed to just be a part of. The joy and smiles on the athletes' faces just to have the opportunity to compete is so rewarding. The volunteer oath sums it up perfectly... 'in giving I receive so much more in return.' "
Marcia McAdams Columbia County, Event Volunteer Since 2004
"I love sharing my energy with the talented athletes, and I am surrounded by a huge family with Special Olympics Florida and my local program. The rewards are endless. My favorite part of volunteering is just smiling and sharing positive energy. My favorite memories are participating in the torch run and watching each athlete win."
Kim Burton Orange County, Event Volunteer Since 2006
"I have seen so many people that were nonverbal, not sociable, and limited in their
abilities...and then witness the transformative power of not only
sports, but engaging with others while participating in fundraising and
Torch Run. I know Special Olympics is not just about sports -- it’s about
improvement of the entire person."
Rick Schichtel St. Lucie County, Coach and Volunteer Since 2002
"Volunteering with Special Olympics feels more like one big family
rather than just a team. We have the most fun coaching the
athletes, and seeing the joy on their faces is priceless. One of my most
memorable moments is when we were in Orlando for the Special Olympics
Florida State Summer Games and seeing the athletes come together for the
opening ceremony and feeling liked they belong to such a strong
community...because they do. That was a beautiful sight to see."
Jamie Handy Duval County, Unified partner Since 2020
"I volunteer to make an impact in my community and to help change lives through sports. Being able to work with amazing like-minded volunteers makes the journey even more meaningful.My most memorable moments are watching parents realize their child is capable of doing more than anyone ever thought was possible!"
Silvia Haas Orange County, Coach Since 2005
"I volunteer with Special Olympics to make a difference in the lives of athletes and help them to gain confidence in themselves and their abilities. My favorite part about being a volunteer isseeing the smile on their faces as they cross the finish line, or seeing them jumping for joy as they make that basket, or seeing them make new friends with similar interest."
Kerri Berenguer Miami-Dade County, Coach Since 2018
"What I love most about volunteering is meeting and helping others. My most memorable moment was going to Seattle as a Unified partner in the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games as a bowler"
Scott Savel Putnam County, Unified partner Since 2012
"I have a passion to spread the message of inclusion and Special Olympics does an incredible job of reaching people. I love competing in different Unified sports where everyone works together as a team. I also enjoy working with athlete leaders and seeing how everyone’s confidence grows as we become the leaders of the inclusion revolution."
Logan Alvarez Miami-Dade County, Unified partner and mentor Since 2011
"The
best thing about volunteering with Special Olympics is seeing the pure
joy and excitement on a new athlete's face that is wheelchair bound and
has never been able to participate in any sport and even has limited
access to play at recess. Watching him play has been very special."
Joan Roman
Monroe County, Coach Since 2019
"This
organization has an incredible impact on individuals with disabilities
in so many ways such as health & wellness, professionalism, skill
development, social skills, etc. I love seeing the look of accomplishment on the athletes’ faces and the relationships built with one another."
Casey Crist
Miami-Dade County, Event Volunteer Since 2018
"I love the global purpose of Special Olympics Florida – sports and inclusion. I like helping an athlete with new skills and opening doors to new opportunities."
Valerie Bauwens Miami-Dade County, Coach Since 2017
"I love coaching the athletes to compete and get better at whatever sport they do. My favorite part about volunteering is going to the practices where the athletes get better and have fun."
Jacob Sapp Orange County, Coach Since 2019
"I love having an opportunity to interact with the athletes! This is the best part. I enjoy striving towards new goals and competing as a Unified partner with my favorite athlete. One of my favorite memories was being part of the bowling skills competition. I received so many hugs, smiles and even tears!"
AJ Savysky Miami-Dade County, Unified partner Since 2013
"The reason I started volunteering -– and the reason I continue –- is the bond you form with the athletes and their parents. The smiles on their faces when they realize they can swim a lap on their own -– and realizing you may be helping. The athletes develop more confidence that will benefit them as they grow. If I had to pick one memory, it would be seeing a swimmer I worked with for years, swim 25 yards with no help. He had cerebral palsy and needed help keeping his head above water. But he was relentless and never stopped trying -- ultimately swimming 25 yards on his own."
Curtis Wagner Orange County, Coach Since 2010
"Every year the final leg impacts me 100 percent. It is breathtaking. It brings you to a point where you just go 'wow'. They’re so happy to be here and so excited to see law enforcement officers run into the stadium. It
makes me feel good to see the athletes happy and with a smile on their face. People need to be aware of the athletes and to treat them with respect.
Angee Vega Osceola County Sheriff's Office Since 2001
"Once you volunteer at any Special Olympics Florida
event, you are hooked for life. I love awarding the medals to the athletes. They light up the room with their smiles,
their joy, and the way they encourage and support each other. I feel
very humble by the experience."
Harry Rother Orange County, Event Volunteer, Knights of Columbus Since 2012
