Why Volunteer?

Volunteers are the backbone of Special Olympics. If you are seeking a volunteer oportunity that can make a difference in both your life and the lives of others, Special Olympics needs you.

Many organizations utilize volunteers. But only with Special Olympics can you walk out on the athletic field and see how your time and effort has made an immediate impact. All over the world, throughout the year it can happen right before your eyes.

Whether you're coaching an athlete or staffing an office, handing out medals or timing a runner - you're touching the lives of people who ask only for an opportunity to participate, succeed and grow.

Special Olympics athletes work hard to overcome the odds, and they can do it - with your help. They deserve the chance to compete, the chance to grow and the chance to lead both on and off the playing field. Give them a chance and you will find it an incredibly rewarding experience for you, too.

How Do I Volunteer?

Special Olympics Hawaii offers a variety of ways to volunteer for our program. From the areas listed below, decide which opportunity best suits your timeframe, interests and level of commitment and click on it for more details:

• Area Programs – The grass roots of Special Olympics are founded in the nine area programs managed by Area Directors and their many volunteer area committee members. Area programs are run similar to the State program, except within the local community. If you are interested in volunteering locally within your community please contact the Area Director in your location.
• Coach - As a coach you would work directly with the athletes to improve their skills in specific Special Olympic sports. Participation is seasonal for each sport with a minimum commitment of two hours per week for eight weeks.
• Officials - If you have previous experience as an official in a given sport and are interested in volunteering as an Official for Special Olympics Hawaii email Dan Epstein, Vice President of Sports for more information.
• Administrative Support - Tasks associated with supporting administrative and program functions generally require three to four hours per week.
• Day of Event Volunteer Opportunities - Are volunteers that help run a specific event. Volunteers work a variety of jobs such as equipment setup, meal runners and merchandising. The shifts can run from 2 to 10 hours.

Click Volunteer Opportunities to see where we are currently recruiting volunteers.

What are Volunteer age requirements?

To ensure the safety of the athletes and volunteers, we do have age guidelines to follow when thinking about bringing minors to volunteer with Special Olympics Hawaii:

• 15 and older - May volunteer on their own.
• 8-14 years old - Must have a parent or guardian with him/her. In cases of groups (school, scout, church, etc.) we ask for one adult for every four 8-14 year old in the group. For example, 9 girls in a troop = 3 adults.
• 7 and younger - will not be assigned a volunteer task, but are invited to be cheerleaders in the stands with his/her parent or guardian.