The office of Connecticut Special Olympics is seeking interested persons to volunteer in its state office for the rest of the summer and the fall. Volunteers are needed during the day and early evening hours for a variety of duties and projects. Persons with data entry, computer, and typing skills are especially needed, as well as administrative and organizational skills. Time commitments for these volunteer posts are flexible.
In addition, internships for college and high school students age 17 and older are available for those interested in working in a non-profit, professional setting. These internships are strictly volunteer and can be tailored to individuals needs, interests and skills, and could include internships for the sports program, general administration, special events, and public relations.
The Connecticut Special Olympics state office is currently located at 50 Whiting Street in Plainville, but will be moving to 2666 State Street in Hamden before the end of the year.
Connecticut Special Olympics has provided year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with mental retardation for 27 years through local, area and state programs. Over 8400 athletes are currently involved with Connecticut Special Olympics programs statewide.
To learn more about the volunteer opportunities mentioned above or how to volunteer in your hometown, please call the Connecticut Special Olympics Volunteer Hotline at (800)443-6105 ext. 246

For Connecticut Special Olympic's mission, visit Nonprofit Career Network Corporate Profiles.

YEAR ROUND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

More than 20,000 dedicated volunteers of all ages from throughout Connecticut serve in many capacities to support the 8,400 athletes that are participating in our year-round sports training and competition programs...many in your own towns. To keep their dream alive, your help is needed. Here are only some of the ways and areas in which you and/or your group can get involved:

SPORTS

• Become a certified Special Olympics Coach in your favorite sport
• Help obtain quality athletic uniforms and equipment for athletes
• Set up Sports Clinics for athletes or Training Schools for volunteers wishing to become coaches.
• Volunteer at a local or state competition. Duties include; escorts, timers scorekeepers, officials, parade    marshals, announcers, award presenters or serving on the Host Site Organizing Committee

• Open school athletic facilities to local Special Olympics training and competitions
• Donate school transportation system to Special Olympics programs
• Sponsor a Unified Sports Program, where Special Olympics athletes and non-disabled
• Athletes form teams that compete in a variety of sports
• Adopt Special Olympics Sports Skill Programs as part of your adaptive physical education and after school program
• Organize a student fund-raiser to raise monies for Connecticut Special Olympics teams from your town

• Encourage your business or place of work to make a financial or in-kind contribution to Connecticut Special Olympics
• Organize a special event to raise monies for local Special Olympics programs
• Make a tax-deductible contribution to Connecticut Special Olympics
• Remember Connecticut Special Olympics in your will, or other long-range planned gift

• Provide group volunteer support for a local or state level competition. It will do wonders for staff morale!
• Sponsor a local Special Olympics program or team
• Conduct a fundraising campaign or special event to support Connecticut Special Olympics
• Encourage members with leadership and management skills to join a Special Olympic committee

• Put your typing, filing, telephone, and computer skills to work as a volunteer in a Special Olympics office
• Assist with large mailings, distribute fliers, and posters for our events

• Work in a Media Center for state competitions and special events
• Volunteer your time to help out in the state's public relations department
• Archiving photographs and press clippings, preparing press kits, etc. (no previous experience required)
• Write athlete profiles or feature articles on athletes, families, coaches and Connecticut Special Olympics
• Lend your public relations abilities or interests to your local or area Special Olympics program