Get Involved. Make A Difference.
Special Olympics Connecticut (SOCT) could not exist today if not for the time, energy, and dedication of thousands of volunteers. Close to 10,000 volunteers dedicate their time to help children and adults with intellectual disabilities achieve their dreams annually here in our state. Opportunities are available for Ongoing (Class A) Volunteers and Event (Class B) Volunteers. Ongoing volunteer positions are typically an 8-10 week commitment of 1-2 hours per week and assist Local Programs by working with athletes, serving in positions of leadership or authority, or handling money. Event Volunteer positions require only a short time commitment and assist with activities that take place the day of a sporting or fundraising event. No experience is necessary for either type of volunteering position.
I Want:
Short-Term Volunteer Opportunities
Event (Class B) volunteers assist with activities that take place the day of a sporting or fundraising event. Volunteering for an event requires only a small time commitment, and no experience is necessary. A brief orientation will be provided before the event. Volunteers must be at least 15 years old or accompanied by an adult.
Event Volunteer roles may include:
- Escorting athletes
- Presenting awards to athletes
- Keeping score or time for events
- Announcing events
Upcoming Opportunities for Event Volunteers and Registration
Visit our Event Volunteer Opportunities page to view event volunteer opportunities and register!
Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities
Ongoing (Class A) volunteers have direct contact with athletes or serve in positions of authority, supervision and trust of athletes or handle substantial amounts of cash or other assets for SOCT. The typical time commitment is 1 to 2 hours per week for 8 to 10 weeks leading up to all state level events.
Roles include:
- Coach and Assistant Coach
- Unified Sports® Partners
- Chaperones
- Hometown escorts
- Medical Personnel
- Security Personnel
- Board Members
Learn How to Get Started
Contact Katie York, Director of Volunteer Services, at kathryny@soct.org or (203) 230-1201, ext. 224 or a Local Program Coordinator to express your intent. To find a Local Program/Local Coordinator, click here.
Complete a Class A Volunteer Application. The application can be filled out and submitted online or printed and mailed to Special Olympics Connecticut, Attn: Katie York, 2666 State Street Suite 1, Hamden, CT 06517
- For the paper version, click here.
- For the web version, click here.
- If you are 18 or older, you must also complete the online Protective Behaviors Training Program.
Get Involved as a Committee Member
We have many volunteers who dedicate their time to ensuring that our events run smoothly. They attend planning meetings, help set up, and lend a helping hand at events.
Roles include:
- Opening Ceremonies
- Sports Committee
- Fundraising Events
- Support Services
- Medical
- Awards
- Food Services
- Truck Drivers
If you are interested in joining a committee, contact Katie York at 203-230-1201, ext. 224 or kathryny@soct.org.
Who Can Become A Volunteer
Our volunteers are students, seniors, business groups, professionals, civic organization members, families, amateur and professional athletes and coaches, to name a few. In other words, anyone can get involved!
Contact Us
If you have any questions or would like additional information about Ongoing (Class A) or Event (Class B) volunteer opportunities, please fill out the form below or contact Katie York, Director of Volunteer Services via kathryny@soct.org, or call (203) 230-1201, ext. 224.