A: Special Plympics is for children and adults with physical, mental, or emotional disabilities. The athletes range from moderately to mildly disabled. You will not, however, be asked to do anything or work with anyone you are not confotable with. We will introduce you to the athletes individually and work along side you until you feel confortable working with the athletes on your own.
A: It depends on your level of involvement. Volunteers will be asked to appear on Saturday mornings to assist with practices or the tournaments. Practices will generally last from an hour and a half to two and a half hours. Tournaments will last between four to six hours. Coaches will work with their team during practice as well as instruct and conduct them on the playing field during the tournaments. Coaches will also be asked to contact their respective players to notify them of bus times, game times, practice changes, etc. Also, coaches will be asked to provide contact information to their players so that they can be reached if their are questions or concerns by the athletes.
A: Well, for those interested high school students, Special Olympics does provide ample community service hours to fulfill honors society, I.B., or honors requirements. Special Olympics also shows good conscious community involvement on your part, and will be great for college applications. Beyond all that though, you will recieve a feeling when walking off the playing field after working, practicing, or playing with these athletes that you wouldn't give up for the world. All those other benifits won't mean a thing to you after that.
A: Nope. Though it is great if you have some, it is by no means a requirement. Any knowledge you will need will be provided to you by a coach.
A: The soccer season will begin in late August. If you will leave your contact information with me, I will certainly let you know when and where the first practice will take place.