Become a Coach

How to say it!

Words matter. Find out what to say and not to say when speaking or writing to and about our athletes

Special Olympics GB is a volunteer led organisation

Volunteers fulfil vital roles both on and off the field of play to ensure a safe, well organised and fun environment in which our athletes can train, compete and socialise.

Volunteer opportunities include sports coaching, car driving, committee membership, doing PR and fundraising, organising events, providing family support, volunteer co-ordination and more. Whatever the role, each and every volunteer makes a significant contribution, the combined impact of which truly changes lives.


Volunteers also play a much wider role in raising awareness about intellectual (learning) disabilities and helping to break down barriers within communities by highlighting the abilities of our athletes and thus dispelling many of the myths and misconceptions about people with an intellectual (learning) disability.

Special Olympics GB volunteers reflect many sectors of our communities: students, employed, unemployed, retired, disabled etc. The time commitment varies depending on the level you wish to become involved at and the amount of time you have to offer – there are opportunities for all.

Volunteering is a way of making new friends, learning new skills, facing new challenges and participating in many new and diverse experiences. These experiences can be very individual or shared and are often quite unique.

Why volunteer? Watch testimonial of people who volunteered at the 2009 National Summer Games in Leicester.

Join Now!

If you want to know what opportunities are available in your area, please contact the National Volunteer Office on 01295 709378 or complete our online
Volunteer Interest Form.

Read our 'Volunteer Matters' Newsletter*

Issue 1
Issue 2
Issue 3 - Special Christmas edition

*This is an internal publication dedicated to all the registered Special Olympics GB volunteers.

“I wanted to volunteer in my community, but I couldn’t find the right opportunity then Special Olympics offered me the chance to use the same skills I use on my job. It was the perfect fit for me to get involved and show my support. I feel like a member of the team and love the atmosphere and vibe.”

Special Olympics GB volunteer Susan Hughes-Payne.