Get Involved
Become an Athlete
Through the power of sports, people with intellectual disabilities discover new strengths, abilities, skills, and success. Our athletes find joy, confidence and fulfillment - on the playing field and in life. They also inspire people in their communities and elsewhere to open their hearts to a wider world of human talents and potential. There are about 200 million people with intellectual disabilities around the world.
Sports:
Worthington Special Olympics offers a wide variety of sports to Special Olympic athletes, including:
Participation:
In most sports, athletes have 1-2 practices per week. Depending on the sport and athlete, there are 1-3 competitions per season. The major competition for most of the sports is the State Games or Meet.
Competitions:
The competition is typically at the end of the season, when athletes show off all of their hard work and progress made over the course of the season. An athlete must compete at a local qualifying meet to be eligible for State Games. Athletes are not required to enroll in their sport's competitions, they can choose to participate only in team practices.
See the Sports page for more details about participation.
Submit Athlete Interest Form
Become a Volunteer
Worthington Special Olympics, serving nearly 90 athletes, is administered by parents and volunteers. There is no paid staff, with over 50 students and community members volunteering each year. Volunteer opportunities include:
- Coaching
- Fundraising (car washes, Polar Plunge, Pennies per Pound, etc.)
- General Operations
Submit the Volunteer Inquiry form about your interest. We will contact you.
Families of athletes are expected to volunteer with WSO at least 6 hours per year to help offset the cost of the sports programs.
Volunteer Application Form (Class B - Temporary Volunteer) [download form]
Class B volunteers are volunteers with indirect contact with athletes. Once you complete the form, email it (as an attachment) to worthingtonspecialolympics@yahoo.com.
Volunteer Application Form (Class A - Direct Involvement) [link to online form] [download instruction]
Class A volunteers are volunteers who have direct, ongoing contact with athletes. Once your application is received, a basic background check will be conducted.
Become a Coach
Special Olympics Ohio coaches teach skills, attitudes, and values that define a true athlete. Coaches support athletes with intellectual disabilities to discover their own strengths and abilities. Are you ready to make a difference in the lives of Special Olympic Ohio athletes?
Process:
- Submit the Coach Inquiry form about your interest. We will contact you, then
- Complete the Volunteer Application Form (Class A - Direct Involvement)
- Complete the Background Check.
- Complete Training.
- Complete Certification. There are 3 levels of coaches: Core, Sport Specific, Advanced.
- Make a difference in the lives of athletes.
For more information, forms and training, see the Special Olympics Ohio website.
Become a Partner or Sponsor
From the start, our mission has been to lead the global inclusion movement and empower people with intellectual disabilities. Because of our presence in Worthington, a partnership with Special Olympics Ohio offers you the chance to:
- Expand the reach and scope of your company’s brand.
- Engage employees by volunteering at events.
- Position your company as a leader in diversity, equity and inclusion.
Donate
With your support, Special Olympics can transform lives through the joy of sport, each and every day. Every day we empower athletes to shatter stereotypes and exceed their personal bests on the playing field and in life. But for every inspiring Special Olympics athlete in Ohio, there are more people waiting for their chance.
What does your generous donation support?
- Sports & Games
- Inclusive Health
Please mail your donation check to:
Worthington Special Olympics
c/o Sharon Hayes, Treasurer
4100 Kenny Rd.
Columbus, OH 43220
