Once a year, Special Olympics MA invites the coaches of the movement to come together for an overnight leadership conference where they can expand their education, interact with other coaches, and be celebrated by the organization.

Nearly 30 years ago, George Coffey took his son to a Special Olympics softball practice. Since that day, he has been involved with Special Olympics MA in more ways than he ever imagined.

Linda Flynn is a longtime volunteer with Special Olympics Massachusetts. She currently leads the Pioneer Valley Green Monsters softball team as their Local Program Coordinator (and even added bocce and corn hole for the team last summer!)

National Volunteer Week is an annual celebration to recognize volunteers who lend their time and talent to support causes they care about within their communities.

This year for National Coaches Day we are recognizing three outstanding Special Olympics Massachusetts coaches.

Andrew came to us without any connection to Special Olympics or a Special Olympics athlete. He chose to join us, as an assistant floor hockey coach, because he wanted to make a difference.

This an dedication about my coach Ted. Ted lives with his elderly parents, while working a very busy job, and still finds the time to help us out with our Special Olympics team.

The experience of being a coach taught me how to pass along my experience to others, see the development of one or more athletes, and giving them something to learn about when playing that sport.

Abbie Kaiser grew up in Portland, Oregon, and now lives in Boston, Massachusetts. At one time running was just a hobby, but now she trains more seriously and does other things in her free time.

Winning a gold medal at USA Games while representing your state and city is cool. But being recognized in your city with an official proclamation comes in at a close second.