BYU Special Olympics Teams
What is BYU Special Olympics Collegiate Teams?
Volunteers serve as coaches and unified partners (athletes) to train and play with individuals ages 18-35 with intellectual disabilities in two sports, flag football and basketball.
The BYU Special Olympics Collegiate Teams program is part of Special Olympics Utah, a chapter of Special Olympics International, which organizes area and state tournaments year-round. We are looking for volunteers to help support our athletes by coaching or playing with them for at least one season. It helps to start volunteering at the beginning of a season, but we can take volunteers throughout the semester as well!
Collegiate sports:
September-November - Flag Football
January-March - Basketball
For volunteers who are interested in helping the Special Olympics athletes on the local Provo Cougars community teams with a total of 14 other events such as softball, bocce ball, track, and bowling, please contact Yolanda, the Special Olympics Utah Metro/Central Area Manager, at metroarea@sout.org.
Photos:
How do I get involved?
BECOME A VOLUNTEER
Volunteer Description: Volunteers will participate in sports with the Special Olympics Teams involving kids with special needs. Their roles will be to make meaningful connections with their teammates
while being a positive role model.
Volunteer Commitment: Practices are held weekly, usually on Saturdays. Volunteers are encouraged to be there every week to develop a strong relationship with the athletes. Coaches are expected to serve each weekend for a full season. The highlight of each season is a tournament off-campus where coaches and volunteers help our athletes play with all their hearts!
Collegiate Teams (Y-Serve Affiliated)
Step 1:
Contact the program directors by phone or email at specialolympicsteam@byu.edu for more information.
Step 2:
Fill out the online form that can be found here. After submitting this form, watch for an email with another online form. Complete the second form and submit it.
Step 3:
Please complete this mandatory 25-minute Minor Protection Training before you begin working with this program.
Community Teams (Not Y-Serve Affiliated)
Step 1:
For volunteers who are interested in helping the Special Olympics athletes in the local community teams with a total of 14 other events such as softball, bocce ball, track, and bowling, please contact Yolanda, the Special Olympics Utah Metro/Central Area Manager, at metroarea@sout.org.
Step 2:
Fill out the online form that can be found here. After submitting this form, watch for an email with another online form. Complete the second form and submit it.
Step 3:
Please complete this mandatory 25-minute Minor Protection Training before you begin working with this program.
BECOME A LEADER
Volunteer Leader Description: There are two kinds of leadership positions: Lead Program Director and Program Director. A program only has one Lead Program Director, but multiple program directors. Leaders are generally responsible for overseeing recruitment, retention, and reflection with volunteers. They also coordinate service with community partners and ensure their program runs smoothly. Volunteer leaders may also share the responsibilities of volunteers as outlined in the Volunteer Description. For more information, visit our section called Be a Leader!
Volunteer Leader Commitment: In addition to volunteering, Volunteer leaders commit to a 1-hour monthly team meeting to discuss needs and make plans for the program.
STEP 1:
Apply to become a leader by completing the application below:
Seeing the athletes light up as they interact with the volunteers is priceless. It is so impactful when the athletes themselves are so observant and take interest in my life! Many of them actually have a great memory, and will follow up with me to see how my test went or will ask how I'm feeling. It's neat to come prepared to serve them, but truly leave feeling that they have lifted me.