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Being a volunteer coach is a truly rewarding experience.
Moving Out of Isolation
Like ice skating coach Anna Sedelkova from Russia. When Special Olympics Russia began recruiting coaches for Special Olympics in 1992 people were hesitant. “Not me,” declared Anna. “I work at a special school in St. Petersburg and was delighted to help give students more sports opportunities. And after working with these athletes, I will never leave them. They are like gifts from God to the world,” she said.
A Coach Transformed
Coach Sedelkova expected Special Olympics to help her young athletes. What she didn’t expect was to be transformed herself – by their courage and commitment and different way of looking at the world. “Take athlete Dariya Akifeva, 11, who has skated for four years. She loves the ice sculpture chair in front of our training venue – it’s something I never noticed. I’m too distracted by my own thoughts to look around. Sometimes I need to see with her eyes!”
A Critical Link
Coaches are a critical component of Special Olympics’ work. A coach is a key figure in an athlete’s life, providing the sports skills and spirit that define a true athlete. Coaches serve as role models and character builders, giving Special Olympics athletes awareness of their worth, ability, courage and capacity to grow and improve. Special Olympics coaches also have a direct impact on athletes’ lives by helping them acquire skills that can influence their abilities to obtain employment, succeed in school and achieve personal goals.
Volunteer coaches come from all walks of life and backgrounds, and don’t need prior experience – we provide the necessary training and resources. To be a Special Olympics coach, all you need is a compassionate nature, a desire to help others and a lot of enthusiasm.
Become a coach and you’ll be joining an amazing team of individuals that includes former Olympians, college students, young professionals and a host of family members. Trade coaching tips and exercises, build new friendships and have a real impact on the lives of athletes. Being a Special Olympics coach can be one of the most rewarding experiences of a lifetime – for both you and the athletes you mentor.
Contact Special Olympics near you to begin your journey today.