Special Olympics Pennsylvania Area M

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Saturday, February 4, 2012
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Special Olympics Area M P. O. Box 382 Summerdale, Pa 17093 717-732-6756

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Get Involved - Volunteers

Volunteers:

Without hundreds of volunteers, Special Olympics Pennsylvania - Area M would not be able to offer sports training and competition programs to individuals with intellectual disabilities. A volunteer’s time, energy, and dedication increases opportunities for our athletes to socialize and be integrated into a mainstream environment. Our volunteers include individuals from all walks of life. Students, senior citizens, business people, family members, amateur and professional athletes, coaches, teachers, doctors, and many others assist us to provide year-round training and socialization opportunities. Whatever your skills, we have a variety of opportunities. Download and fill out the volunteer form today. Either email it to Area M's Volunteer Coordinator or mail it to: SOPAM, PO Box 382, Summerdale, PA 17093.

Committees Forming

Do you want to help, but aren’t quite sure what you can do? Do you have a really great suggestion for Special Olympics, but don’t know who to tell? Committees are always being formed to work on new ideas for Volunteer and Athlete recruitment, sports expansion and fund raising. You do not need to have any experience in these areas. If you are interested in serving, or would like more information, call Kay Straw at (717) 732-6756.

What is Outreach?

Special Olympics Outreach involves a series of ongoing strategies to identify, enroll, and retain athletes in the Special Olympic family. Athletes can begin to train in Special Olympics at the age of 6 and can begin to compete at the age of 8. Athletes can continue in our program as long as they are able to. There is no age limit. Outreach efforts include: recruiting in Elementary and Secondary schools; recruiting in the adult community for eligible athletes; involving high school students as volunteers; encouraging Parks and Recreation departments to offer Special Olympic training and competition activities; establishing Special Olympic training programs as employee fitness programs; and continuing to build the Global Messenger program in which Special Olympic athletes are selected and trained to speak publicly about the benefits of Special Olympics, etc.

You can be part of an experience that will change your life and help others.

Become a coach or volunteer to assist a coach in your favorite sport. We offer year-round training and there is bound to be something you will find an interest in.
If you are a teacher or work in a job that brings you in contact with individuals with intellectual disabilities, you can recruit Special Olympic athletes.
Publicize Special Olympics where you live or work.
Volunteer anytime--your help is valuable year-round. Most of our trainings are held in the evening and on weekends. We also have competitions during the day such as our annual games held at Messiah College. This is an excellent opportunity for businesses which encourage volunteer work to become involved in these games. Every April these games provide an opportunity for more than 1000 school-age and adult athletes to come and participate and have fun in the process. Volunteers at this event, return year after year because of what this event does for them.
Provide or assist in getting in-kind donations of products and/or services
Join the Management Team, or serve on one of Area M's committees. We are always in need of new ideas and new volunteers to continue the growth of our program.
Help establish a Special Olympic Program at your workplace
Help organize fund raising events
Enlist your service club or organization to help sponsor a Special Olympic event
Become a year-round “buddy” to a Special Olympic athlete

For more information on how you can be a part of our Special Olympics Outreach, or if you would like a Global Messenger to speak at your organization's next function or board meeting, please contact:
Special Olympics Pennsylvania - Area M at (717) 732-6756.