Volunteer Opportunities From: Special Olympics Southern California - Northern Counties

Unified partners (individuals without intellectual disabilities) train and compete as a teammate alongside Special Olympics athletes on a Unified Sports Team (either on a school or community team). Unified partners can be any age! There is no better way to combine a love of sports with the rewards of being of service than by becoming a Unified partner with Special Olympics Southern California!

Unified partners (individuals without intellectual disabilities) train and compete as a teammate alongside Special Olympics athletes on a Unified Sports Team (either on a school or community team). Unified partners can be any age! There is no better way to combine a love of sports with the rewards of being of service than by becoming a Unified partner with Special Olympics Southern California!

Unified partners (individuals without intellectual disabilities) train and compete as a teammate alongside Special Olympics athletes on a Unified Sports Team (either on a school or community team). Unified partners can be any age! There is no better way to combine a love of sports with the rewards of being of service than by becoming a Unified partner with Special Olympics Southern California!

Unified partners (individuals without intellectual disabilities) train and compete as a teammate alongside Special Olympics athletes on a Unified Sports Team (either on a school or community team). Unified partners can be any age! There is no better way to combine a love of sports with the rewards of being of service than by becoming a Unified partner with Special Olympics Southern California!

Volunteer Responsibilities: 

Volunteer Responsibilities: 

Assist with decorations, sponsor set up, dinner seating, dance, and tear down of activities

Volunteer Responsibilities:

Volunteer Responsibilities:

Assist athletes, coaches, and fellow volunteers by serving lunch.

Support lunch needs including meal assembly and organization.

May help with distributing lunches to various competition venues.

Assist with clean-up and resetting the area for the next group.

Your support helps keep everyone fueled and ready—thank you for making it possible!

Volunteer Responsibilities: 

Set up the awards area and organize medals for distribution.

Assist with staging athletes for their award presentations.

Announce athlete names and achievements.

Present medals to athletes with enthusiasm and respect.

Your role celebrates each athlete’s accomplishments—thank you for making it memorable!

Volunteer Responsibilities: 

Assist with the set-up of individual skills golf stations, including placing equipment and signage.

Ensure each station is properly arranged and ready for athlete participation.

This shift involves walking and light physical activity.

Your help sets the stage for a successful event—thank you for making it happen!

Volunteer Responsibilities: 

Assist athletes on the golf course by providing support and encouragement.

Help maintain an accurate record of scores throughout the round.

This shift involves walking and being outdoors for an extended period.

Your attention to detail and support make a big impact—thank you for helping our athletes shine!

Health Promotion is a health screening and education initiative designed to provide athletes with valuable information and guidance on maintaining overall wellness. The program addresses key areas such as nutrition, sun safety, bone density, tobacco cessation, and physical fitness. In addition to offering individualized assessments, Health Promotion emphasizes the importance of adopting healthy lifestyle practices that support long-term well-being. The program also serves an educational role by equipping athletes, their families, and caregivers with practical strategies and resources to make informed health choices, thereby empowering athletes to achieve their highest level of performance both on and off the playing field.

Responsibilities:

1. Greet athletes warmly and welcome them to the venue, creating a positive and supportive first impression.

2. Prepare and distribute all necessary paperwork and forms for Clinical Volunteers.

3. Clearly explain to athletes the number of stations they are expected to complete within their discipline.

4. Encourage and motivate athletes to fully participate in and complete all assigned screenings.

5. Maintain a professional, organized, and approachable presence to support both athletes and clinical staff throughout the event.

Healthy Hearing is a hearing screening program developed to promote optimal audiological health among Opening Eyes is a vision and eye health screening dedicated to promoting optimal visual health for Special Olympics athletes. This screening provides comprehensive eye evaluations to identify vision impairments and other ocular conditions that may otherwise go undetected. In addition to the screening, Opening Eyes educates athletes, families, and caregivers on the importance of routine eye care, proper use of corrective lenses, and access to follow-up services when necessary. Athletes also receive free eyewear and prescriptions when indicated, removing barriers to vision care and ensuring they have the resources needed to maintain healthy eyesight. By addressing vision health, the screening helps athletes perform more effectively in sports, engage in learning, and participate fully in daily life with greater confidence and independence.

Responsibilities:
1. Greet athletes warmly and welcome them to the venue, creating a positive and supportive first impression.
2. Prepare and distribute all necessary paperwork and forms for Clinical Volunteers.
3. Clearly explain to athletes the number of stations they are expected to complete within their discipline.
4. Encourage and motivate athletes to fully participate in and complete all assigned screenings.
5. Maintain a professional, organized, and approachable presence to support both athletes and clinical staff throughout the event.

Special Smiles is a dental screening designed to promote oral health and hygiene among Special Olympics athletes. The screening provides comprehensive dental evaluations to identify potential oral health concerns, including tooth decay, gum disease, and other conditions that may otherwise go untreated. In addition to screenings, athletes receive individualized oral health education, including instructions on proper brushing and flossing techniques, as well as guidance on preventive care. To further support healthy habits, athletes are provided with preventive supplies such as toothpaste and toothbrushes. By improving access to dental screenings and education, Special Smiles empowers athletes to maintain better oral health, enhance their overall well-being, and achieve greater confidence both in sports and daily life.

Responsibilities:

1. Greet athletes warmly and welcome them to the venue, creating a positive and supportive first impression.

2. Prepare and distribute all necessary paperwork and forms for Clinical Volunteers.

3. Clearly explain to athletes the number of stations they are expected to complete within their discipline.

4. Encourage and motivate athletes to fully participate in and complete all assigned screenings.

5. Maintain a professional, organized, and approachable presence to support both athletes and clinical staff throughout the event.

Strong Minds is a screening designed to evaluate and support the development of adaptive coping skills in Special Olympics athletes. The screening identifies how athletes respond to stress and provides strategies to build resilience, manage emotions, and maintain focus during both competition and daily life. In addition to individualized evaluations, Strong Minds offers education on relaxation techniques, positive thinking, and other practical coping methods. By addressing mental wellness, the screening empowers athletes to enhance their overall well-being, strengthen emotional health, and perform at their best in sports and beyond.

Responsibilities:

1. Must have experience practicing or teaching yoga, with the ability to safely guide athletes through gentle stretching, breathing, and relaxation techniques appropriate to their needs.

2. Support athletes by introducing exercises that promote flexibility, balance, focus, and stress reduction, complementing the goals of the Strong Minds discipline.

3. Work under the direction of the Clinical Director to ensure all activities align with the health and safety standards of the discipline.

4. Provide encouragement and adapt techniques to accommodate athletes of varying physical abilities.

5. Assist with tear down and clean up following the completion of all screenings.

Healthy Athletes is dedicated to providing comprehensive health screenings and education to Special Olympics athletes, while also transforming the way health professionals engage with individuals with intellectual disabilities. The initiative not only addresses unmet health needs through a series of targeted screenings but also raises awareness within the medical community about the unique challenges faced by this population. By fostering inclusion, education, and advocacy, Healthy Athletes works to improve access to quality care, reduce health disparities, and empower athletes to achieve their best in both sports and daily life.

Responsibilities:
1. Support the Health Initiatives Team in the set-up of the Health Village prior to the start of screenings.
2. Assist with distributing equipment and supplies to their designated disciplines.
3. Set up tables, chairs, signage, and other event infrastructure to ensure venues are organized and ready for athletes.
4. Work collaboratively with other volunteers and staff to accomplish all assigned tasks efficiently.
5. Complete set-up responsibilities on the assigned day, recognizing this role is specific to pre-event preparation only.

Be a go-to guide for Fall Games! Help volunteers, athletes, and spectators by sharing event details, directions, and general information about Special Olympics Southern California. Help keep the info table organized with informational materials. Bonus: If you need to sit, no worries—this role can be done comfortably from a chair!

Volunteer Responsibilities: 

Volunteer Responsibilities: 

Spend some time at Rafer's Boutique helping athletes and fans find just the right SOSC merchandise during the Athlete Celebration. You will help set up displays and tables, hang clothing, put out accessories, and keep the racks and tables full of merchandise as items are sold. When the Boutique closes, you will assist with packing up the merchandise and breaking down the venue. In this role, you will stand on your feet and occasionally move 25lbs boxes.

Help set up Rafer's Boutique for Fall Games. This will including putting out displays and tables, hanging clothing, and organizing the storage area. In this role, you will be standing on your feet and occasionally moving 25lbs boxes.

Spend some time at Rafer's Boutique helping athletes and fans find just the right SOSC merchandise. You will help set up displays and tables, hang clothing, put out accessories, organize the storage area, and keep the racks and tables full of clothing as items are sold. In this role, you will stand on your feet and occasionally move 25lbs boxes.

Spend some time at Rafer's Boutique helping athletes and fans find just the right SOSC merchandise. You will help hang clothing, put out accessories, organize the storage area, and keep the racks and tables full of clothing as items are sold. When the Boutique closes, you will assist with packing up the merchandise and breaking down the venue. In this role, you will stand on your feet and occasionally move 25lbs boxes.

Spend some time at Rafer's Boutique helping athletes and fans find just the right SOSC merchandise. You will help set up displays and tables, hang clothing, put out accessories, organize the storage area, and keep the racks and tables full of clothing as items are sold. In this role, you will stand on your feet and occasionally move 25lbs boxes.

Spend some time at Rafer's Boutique helping athletes and fans find just the right SOSC merchandise. You will help hang clothing, put out accessories, organize the storage area, and keep the racks and tables full of clothing as items are sold. When the Boutique closes, you will assist with packing up the merchandise and breaking down the venue. In this role, you will stand on your feet and occasionally move 25lbs boxes.

This position will be retrieving all hanging banners and signage that is spread throughout the Campus. Please expect to walk and stand on your feet through the shift.

This position will be physically hanging banners and signs across the entire Campus. Please expect to walk and stand on your feet for extended periods of time.

Volunteer Responsibilities: 

Set up the awards area and organize medals for distribution.

Assist with staging athletes for their award presentations.

Announce athlete names and achievements.

Present medals to athletes with enthusiasm and respect.

Your role celebrates each athlete’s accomplishments—thank you for making it memorable!

Volunteer Responsibilities: 

This shift includes scorekeeping, linesman, and shagging balls

Assist with field and equipment set-up prior to games.

Track team scores, penalties, and game times throughout matches.

Monitor side and goal lines to help ensure fair play and safety.

Soccer knowledge is preferred but not required.

Your involvement keeps the games running smoothly—thank you for supporting our athletes!

Volunteer Responsibilities: 

Set up the awards area and organize medals for distribution.

Assist with staging athletes for their award presentations.

Announce athlete names and achievements.

Present medals to athletes with enthusiasm and respect.

Your role celebrates each athlete’s accomplishments—thank you for making it memorable!

Volunteer Responsibilities: 

Retrieve foul balls and help keep the field area clear and safe.

Track team locations and assist with coordinating team movement throughout the day.

Distribute and organize equipment as needed.

Provide general game day support, including helping scorekeepers and staff.

Assist with dividing and distributing water to athletes, coaches, and volunteers.

Your teamwork keeps the day running smoothly—thank you for supporting our athletes!

Volunteer Responsibilities: 

Set up the awards area and organize medals for distribution.

Assist with staging athletes for their award presentations.

Announce athlete names and achievements.

Present medals to athletes with enthusiasm and respect.

Your role celebrates each athlete’s accomplishments—thank you for making it memorable!

Volunteer Responsibilities:

Collect stray tennis balls and offer other assistance to players. Make sure there are enough balls for the server when they are ready to begin the next point.

Volunteer Responsibilities: 

Set up the awards area and organize medals for distribution.

Assist with staging athletes for their award presentations.

Announce athlete names and achievements.

Present medals to athletes with enthusiasm and respect.

Your role celebrates each athlete’s accomplishments—thank you for making it memorable!

Volunteer Responsibilities: 

Keep track of team scores and player substitutions during matches.

Serve as a linesperson to judge whether the ball is in or out of bounds.

Volleyball knowledge is preferred but not required—training will be provided!

Your role is key to fair and smooth gameplay—thank you for supporting our athletes!

Assist with tearing down event and packing up

Greet and check-in teams. 

Skills: Clear and upbeat speaking voice

Escort and support athletes and/or teams to and from Healthy Athletes venue and Festival venue during game breaks. 

Assist with distribution of lunches and water for athlete and volunteers

QUALIFICATIONS: CPR & First Aid Certified. Experience in heat related issues and seizures

Medical and Nursing students encouraged to apply!

Bring game scores from fields to awards table as they finish.

Assist with individual skills competition for softball (hitting, throwing, fielding, base running)

Skills: Organized and personable

Greet and check-in volunteers. 

Thank you for taking the time to complete the clearance process in order to volunteer with Special Olympics Southern California. We appreciate your time and dedication to our athletes!

A member of our staff will initiate your Background Check to complete your volunteer clearance. Once your Background Check is eligible, an SOSC staff member will contact you with next steps. Please reach out to volunteer@sosc.org if you have any questions, or if there is a delay in your clearance.

Thank you for taking the time to complete the clearance process in order to volunteer with Special Olympics Southern California. We appreciate your time and dedication to our athletes!

A member of our staff will initiate your Background Check to complete your volunteer clearance. Once your Background Check is eligible, an SOSC staff member will contact you with next steps. Please reach out to volunteer@sosc.org if you have any questions, or if there is a delay in your clearance.

Thank you for taking the time to complete the clearance process in order to volunteer with Special Olympics Southern California. We appreciate your time and dedication to our athletes!

Please reach out to volunteer@sosc.org if you have any questions, or if there is a delay in your clearance.

Responsibilities:

Responsibilities:

Responsibilities:

Key Responsibilities:

Qualifications:

A member of our staff will initiate your Background Check to complete your clearance. Once your Background Check is eligible, an SOSC staff member will contact you with next steps. Please reach out to volunteer@sosc.org if you have any questions, or if there is a delay in your clearance.

Key Responsibilities:

Qualifications:

A member of our staff will initiate your Background Check to complete your clearance. Once your Background Check is eligible, an SOSC staff member will contact you with next steps. Please reach out to volunteer@sosc.org if you have any questions, or if there is a delay in your clearance.

A member of our staff will initiate your Background Check to complete your clearance. Once your Background Check is eligible, an SOSC staff member will contact you with next steps. Please reach out to volunteer@sosc.org if you have any questions, or if there is a delay in your clearance.

Responsibilities:

ur vision is to promote acceptance, inclusion and well-being for people with intellectual disabilities through sports. Knowledge and/or coaching experience in the sport you are interested in coaching is preferred. Click on the START REGISTRATION  button (top right or bottom right) to become pre-qualified for a volunteering role.

Key Responsibilities

After completing the required qualifications successfully, a member of our staff will contact you about next steps. 

Thank you for taking the time to complete the clearance process in order to volunteer with Special Olympics Southern California. We appreciate your time and dedication to our athletes!

A member of our staff will initiate your Background Check to complete your volunteer clearance. Once your Background Check is eligible, an SOSC staff member will contact you with next steps. Please reach out to volunteer@sosc.org if you have any questions, or if there is a delay in your clearance.

Thank you for taking the time to complete the clearance process in order to volunteer with Special Olympics Southern California. We appreciate your time and dedication to our athletes!

A member of our staff will initiate your Background Check to complete your volunteer clearance. Once your Background Check is eligible, an SOSC staff member will contact you with next steps. Please reach out to volunteer@sosc.org if you have any questions, or if there is a delay in your clearance.

Thank you for taking the time to complete the clearance process in order to volunteer with Special Olympics Southern California. We appreciate your time and dedication to our athletes!

Please reach out to volunteer@sosc.org if you have any questions, or if there is a delay in your clearance.

Responsibilities: