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Recruiting Coaches Special Olympics volunteers play a crucial role in running a Special Olympics Program Any community sports program clearly depends on dedicated volunteers to develop a successful program that offers frequent, high-quality competition opportunities supported by fundamental instruction on the skills, rules and etiquette of the game. While it is helpful that coaches are sport knowledgeable, family members, athletes, teachers, neighbors and friends of Special Olympics athletes can be taught to coach the basic sports skills progression.   Programs can develop a network for recruitment of volunteers by following a three-step approach. Solicit interest in the community   Sport Specific Golf example   Look For... Golf Example Your Sport Who is the best at this sport? Golf professional (LPGA/PGA)   Who has access to facilities? Golf course management   Who enjoys and knows the sport? Golf club members   Who knows who all the people are that know and enjoy the sport? Local, state, national golf associations   Who has access to public relations to help recruit coaches? Golf sports writers   Who do you enjoy playing this sport with? Your golfing buddies       Non Sport Specific   Look For... Example Your Sport Where do people who like sports congregate? Parks and recreation department   Where might you find energetic sports volunteers? High schools, colleges   Who has the most invested in having a team? Athletes and families   Where might you find people who have coached Special Olympics before? Existing Special Olympics Program   Who might be a help with special populations sport? Physical/recreational therapists   Where do you find large numbers of volunteer-minded people? Fraternal and civic organizations   Where do you find people who are interested in coaching? Sports community in general   Who is motivated to volunteer? Church groups   Who might need to do community service? High school students   Who do you enjoy working with? Your own family and friends     Link with those who have shared an interest in your Program.   The greatest success has come when a local Program has been able to link with sports professionals or teams in their geographic area. Work with the sport community to create a realistic and workable plan, providing competition as the focal point.

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