Special Olympics coaches play a unique and indispensable role in the success of Special Olympics in North Carolina and around the world. In addition to providing the important sports skills and instruction athletes need to succeed, Special Olympics Coaches are also role models that encourage and inspire athletes to strive to reach their potential in both sports and life. Special Olympics coaches give Special Olympics athletes an immediate awareness of their own worth, courage and ability to grow and improve to the highest capacity.

Special Olympics coaches:

• Obtain necessary facilities and equipment for training.
• Help to recruit athletes and assistant coaches.
• Assist athletes in learning sports skills and applying them in competitions
• Encourage confidence and self-esteem through sport.
• Conduct demonstrations in the community.
• Help start Partners Clubs of peer coaches with their athletes.
• Start Unified Sports® teams.

Special Olympics coaches often find that the personal rewards received are equal to or even outweigh the benefits they offer the athletes. Special Olympics coaches have a unique opportunity to work with athletes in competitive situations to assist in their training for life.

Becoming a Special Olympics coach is easy! Special Olympics North Carolina offers a training program to become a Certified Special Olympics Coach. Additionally, volunteers are always needed to ensure the highest quality events for the athletes.

Whether as a coach or day of event volunteer, your role with Special Olympics North Carolina is an experience you will never forget!

Special Olympics coaches and volunteers are in GREAT need! Find out what coaching opportunities exist for you! Find out the specific needs of your local Special Olympics program.