Coaches play a unique and indispensable role in Special Olympics around the world. Coaches provide the sports skills and spirit that define a true athlete. In addition, coaches are 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. "My proudest moments as a coach occur every time an athlete takes the awards stand - whether in fifth or first place - because they're shining and they're achieving. They did it. No matter what ability level, they competed and they won. I'm proud to be able to share in that moment."      Keron Poteat, Special Olympics coach and volunteer Thierry Dozot, Special Olympics Belgium athlete, in training with his coach, Johan Aerts, prior to the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Dublin, Ireland. [Photo by Barry Cronin, IRELAND OUT] Special Olympics coaches: Obtain necessary facilities and equipment for training. Help to recruit athletes and assistant coaches. Assist athletes in learning sports skills and applying them in competitions (see the Coaching Guides section of this Web site). Encourage confidence and self-esteem through sport. Conduct demonstrations in the community. Help start Partners Clubs of peer coaches with their athletes. Start Unified Sports® teams. Special Olympics coaches often find that the personal rewards received are equal to or even outweigh the benefits they offer the athletes. Special Olympics coaches have a unique opportunity to work with athletes in competitive situations to assist in their training for life.      < How to Become a Certified Special Olympics Coach > To get involved with Special Olympics as a coach, contact your local Program. To locate a Program near you, use the Program Locator. Contact Information Dave Lenox, Vice President, Sports & Competition, +1 (202) 628-3630 or dlenox@specialolympics.org