Special Olympics Great Britain, the United Kingdom’s biggest provider of sports training and competition for people with intellectual disabilities, has today opened its registrations for Event Volunteers at its first ever National Winter Games in Folgaria, Italy, next year.
Taking place from 27 January to 3 February, Folgaria 2024 will bring together nearly 80 Special Olympics GB athletes from England, Scotland and Wales to compete in Alpine Skiing and Figure Skating as well as have a go at Sledging and another Special Olympics Winter Sport, SnowShoeing.
Multiple volunteering positions are available to support delivery of the first National Games, including first aid, event day registrations, race marshals, timekeeping, event announcing, and more, which can be found in the Folgaria 2024 Volunteer Pack.
Applications should be made in the Special Olympics GB volunteer registration form before the midnight deadline on Tuesday 31 October 2023.
“This first National Winter Games ensures that we are giving even more of our registered athletes the incredible experience of competing at the top end of our domestic competition pathway,” said Laura Davies, Head of Events & Projects at Special Olympics GB. “As with all Special Olympics events around the world, everyone in attendance will make memories that last a lifetime.
“By registering as a volunteer at any Special Olympics GB accredited club or event, you are helping transform the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. At Folgaria 2024, we have a variety of roles that will play a key role in supporting our athletes, clubs and staff throughout the event.
“We’re very grateful for the support of everyone who is keen to join the Special Olympics GB family and join us for this first National Winter Games experience.”
Folgaria 2024 is being delivered by Special Olympics GB alongside its Special Olympics Grampian club and Inclusive Skating with support from The Ski Company. The event format has been developed with the support of the Special Olympics GB Winter Sports Working Group, which is made up of athletes, volunteers, coaches, parents and National Office staff.
The event will also be a qualification opportunity for athletes wishing to be selected to represent Team Special Olympics GB at the next Special Olympics World Winter Games, which take place in Torino, Italy in March 2025.
Across the country, more than 6,500 athletes are currently registered with Special Olympics GB at its 95 accredited clubs, which are delivered by a devoted team of around 3,800 volunteers.