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Frequently Asked Questions
When are Special Olympics events held?
Special Olympics is a year-round organization.
There is always something going on in Special Olympics. Special
Olympics has five sports season and 26 sports to choose from. You’ll
find on any given evening or weekend right in your own backyard,
athletes training and competing in the sports they love.
Click here to view our list of state athletic events.
How can I become a volunteer?
There are many volunteer opportunities in Special Olympics. You can volunteer
in your local area or you can volunteer at any one of our state competitions.
There are also many opportunities to volunteer on management teams, helping
to manage events.
Click here to find
out about volunteer opportunities.
Do I need any special skills to volunteer?
You do not need any special skills to help out our athletes. If you do,
that’s great. Many people come to Special Olympics to help out in their
areas of expertise such as marketing, event management or medical help.
If you have a certain skill, we can definitely use your help, however, it’s
not necessary. Everyone is welcome.
Click
here for information on volunteer opportunities.
Do athletes pay to participate in Special Olympics?
No. Athletes never pay to train or compete in Special Olympics events. There
are no costs to the athletes. That’s why it’s so important for Special Olympics
Massachusetts to raise necessary funds so quality programs can continue.
Click here
for information on how to help fund SOMA athletes.
How do I become a coach?
There are two parts to becoming a Special Olympics certified coach. The
first step for certification is to attend a General Orientation. This short
program will provide you with an overview of Special Olympics. The second
and final step to becoming a certified SOMA coach is a sport specific skills
course.
Click here to find out more about coaches training.
Do you take donations other than money?
Yes. We do take in-kind donations. In-kind donations are donations of anything
that Special Olympics Massachusetts would ordinarily have to pay for such
as office supplies, equipment and even food for athletic events and fundraisers.
Click here to view the SOMA wish list.
How is Special Olympics funded?
Special Olympics Massachusetts is funded almost entirely by individual and
corporate donations.
Click here to find out about donation options.
Can I hold a fundraiser for Special Olympics?
Your group or civic club can hold a fundraiser for Special Olympics. Any
fundraising initiative does need to be approved by the state headquarters
of Special Olympics Massachusetts.
Click here to view SOMA's fundraising guidelines.
Can someone come out and speak to our group about Special Olympics?
There are many individuals throughout Special Olympics Massachusetts that
can come to your group and speak about the organization. Staff members,
athletes and family members can come to your location to give presentations.
Click here for information on obtaining a SOMA speaker.
Who can participate in Special Olympics?
Persons eligible for participation in Special Olympics are those persons
at least eight years old who have intellectual disabilities and/or a closely
related developmental disability. Athletes under the age of eight may be
involved in training programs that do not result in competition.
Click here for more information on eligibility.
Is Special Olympics just a local organization?
Special Olympics is the largest amateur sports organization in the world.
There are over 1,000,000 athletes worldwide. And there are Special Olympics
programs in over 150 countries.
Click here for information on Special Olympics International.
How do I find a program for my family member?
Finding a program is easy. Just go to the “in your town” section of this
website and find the area manager that represents your town. He or she can
help you find a local program or team.
Click here to find a local program.
Do I need permission to use the Special Olympics logo?
Yes. The Special Olympics Massachusetts logo and other logos associated
with events are trademarked by Special Olympics. If you are looking to use
the SOMA logo, please send a detailed email to
publicr@specialolympicsma.org
to obtain permission.
Can I start my own Special Olympics program?
Yes. Special Olympics Massachusetts can help you start a local program right
in your own town. A staff member can help get you get started in helping
you to select sports recruit athletes and coaches and conduct local trainings
and competitions.
Click here for more information about starting your own local program.
Is there smoking allowed at Special Olympics events?
No. Smoking is not allowed at any Special Olympics Massachusetts events.
Special Olympics is a smoke-free organization. Special Olympics promotes
exercise and good health habits so we ask that anyone who attends an event
refrains from smoking.
Click here for more information on SOMA policies.
How can I learn more about intellectual disabilities?
Click here to learn more about intellectual disabilities.
http://www.thearc.org
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