Become a Volunteer

Become a Volunteer - Special Olympics NS

Special Olympics Nova Scotia is dedicated to enriching the lives of Nova Scotians with an intellectual disability – through sport. We are a not-for-profit, grassroots organization that provides sport training and competition opportunities for athletes of all ages and abilities.

Volunteers play a major role within our organization.

The Provincial body of Special Olympics is serviced by a full time staff of three and over 500 volunteers province-wide. Volunteers are the key to our success and come in many forms. We have positions that range from one-time event-based to weekly training and support positions.

If you have an interest, we have a position. For more information on volunteer opportunities offered in your community visit Our Regions to see the contacts in your community or contact Matt Quinn, Director of Sports & Programs at mquinn@specialolympicsns.ca or (902) 429-2266 x 2.

Here is a sample of how your kindness can help our organization in terms of volunteerism. Within our organization we have the following positions available:

Coaching

All coaches must complete a volunteer application as well as complete a child abuse registry form and police check (from the local committee). Become a Coach.

Program Volunteers

All program volunteers help in the delivery of regional programs.  They assist coaching staffs in the delivery of sport/reginoal programs and must follow the step-by-step onboarding process.

Volunteer On-Boarding Process:

  • Step 1: Volunteer contacts Chapter/Local Program
  • Step 2: Chapter/Local Program representative meets w/ volunteer for screening/placement purposes (in-person/phone) and checks their references.
  • Step 3: Volunteer completes Safe Sport Training
  • Step 4: Volunteer submits Police Record & Vulnerable Sectors Check as well as a Child Abuse Registry 
    • NOTE: A PRC  that has been completed within the last 12 months may be used for the volunteer
  • Step 5: Volunteer is assigned to a program
  • Step 6: Volunteer attends Chapter/Local Program orientation event (if applicable)
  • Step 7: Volunteer starts with program

Board of Directors

Special Olympics Nova Scotia is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. The purpose is to oversee the execution of provincial mandates and assist in raising funds for financial sustainability. Members are accepted each year at the Fall Annual General Meeting following an interview with our Nominating Chair. The Board of Directors meet six (6) times per year at 4pm.

Interested members are encouraged to please contact:
Mike Greek (President & CEO)mgreek@specialolympicsns.ca – (902) 429-2266 x 1

Regional Committee

Across the province, Special Olympics grass-roots programs are executed by a Regional Committee. Within this committee are positions such as Regional Coordinator, Treasurer, Fundraising, Sport Development, Screening, Registrar, or Member at Large. All regional committee volunteers must complete a volunteer application as well as complete a child abuse registry form and police check (from the local committee).

To find a Regional Coordinator and learn more about these positions in your community please contact:
Matt Quinn (Director of Sports & Programs) – mquinn@specialolympicsns.ca – (902) 429-2266 x 2

Event Based

Each year, Special Olympics NS and our Regions, host events that require the assistance of the general public for a few hours or a few days. These volunteers can assist with Provincial or Regional Games, fundraiser or public awareness campaigns. Some event based volunteers may be required to complete a volunteer form. This will be done at the time of registering for such events.

If you have any other questions, please contact:
Matt Quinn (Director of Sports & Programs) – mquinn@specialolympicsns.ca – (902) 429-2266 x 2


Volunteer Resources