Coaches
Across Pennsylvania, more than 4,000 coaches instruct, guide, support,
and encourage Special Olympics athletes toward new goals. They teach the
tangibles of competitive athletics -- fundamentals, techniques, strategy
-- and the equally important intangibles -- sportsmanship, teamwork,
team spirit, self-confidence. Most coaches have full-time jobs as
business people or educators, but they always find the time for coaching
in addition to performing other duties such as obtaining equipment and
transporting athletes.
Coaches play a unique and indispensable role in Special Olympics
programs around the world. More than 50,000 certified Special Olympics
coaches in the United States provide Special Olympics athletes with the
sports skills and competitive spirit that define a true athlete.
Coaches not only provide skills training
for athletes, but they are also role models and character builders.
Coaches give Special Olympics athletes the most immediate awareness of
their own worth, ability, courage, and capacity to grow and improve.
Coaches often begin as volunteers at an event. Although no specific
sport skill is required to be eligible to coach, many coaches already
have expertise in the sport they select.
Special Olympics coaches often find that the personal rewards they
receive are equal to or even outweigh the benefits they can offer the
athletes they train. Special Olympics coaches have a unique opportunity
to work with athletes in competitive situations to assist in their
training for life.
To become a certified Special Olympics coach, an individual must participate in a training course. For more information click here Training and Coach Education
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"We do a lot of neat things in Special Olympics and we do so many things together that we are like a family! We learn the sport, go to many places for competitions, have dances and picnics. But the best part of Special Olympics is that we meet such terrific people! The coaches are great, the parents are great and I have many friends because of Special Olympics."
--Michael, SOPA athlete |
