2026 SOTN VOLUNTEER REFERENCE GUIDE

VOLUNTEER REFERENCE GUIDE Last updated 2/11/2026

CONTENTS 03

ABOUT SOTN Our History Our Mission

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MEET THE TEAM Local Area Programs + Regions State Staff

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TERMINOLOGY GUIDE

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SUPPORTING SOTN ATHLETES

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GET INVOLVED SOTN Volunteers Volunteer Expectations

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VOLUNTEER ROLES +REQUIREMENTS Event Volunteers Specialized Volunteers

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SOTN PROGRAMS Sports, Healthy Athletes, Fitness + Combines, Young Athletes, Unified Champion Schools, Athlete Leadership, Special Events+ Fundraisers

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COMPETITIONS Level Of Competitions 2034 USA Games In Nashville

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VOLUNTEER RESOURCES

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ABOUT SOTN OUR HISTORY Special Olympics began in 1962 as a backyard day camp founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, who believed people with intellectual disabilities were far more capable than society assumed. Motivated by the lack of opportunities for her sister Rosemary and others, Shriver invited young people with intellectual disabilities to her Maryland home for a summer of sports, play, and inclusion. This simple idea grew into the world’s largest amateur sports organization, with the first International Special Olympics Games held in 1968, attracting over 1,000 athletes from the U.S. and Canada. Today, Special Olympics thrives in more than 172 countries, promoting inclusion, dignity, and opportunity through sport.

Inspired by Shriver’s vision, educators at Peabody College in Nashville, including Jack Elder, Cecil Morgan, and Neland Carver

Hibbett, worked to bring Special Olympics to Tennessee. In 1973, Elder, then a graduate student focused on physical education for individuals with disabilities, partnered with Hibbett to secure a federal grant and officially launch Special Olympics Tennessee. With its headquarters at the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Elder became the first executive director, building a strong network of volunteers, community partners, and athletic events across the state.

Vanderbilt University quickly became a central hub for Olympic-style competitions, hosting torch relays, opening ceremonies, athlete parades, and medal presentations. These events helped change public attitudes and demonstrated the abilities of athletes with intellectual disabilities. Today, Special Olympics Tennessee serves more than 18,000 athletes of all ages and abilities, offering training and competition in 16 Olympic-style sports and hosting over 250 competitions annually, supported by thousands of dedicated coaches and volunteers.

OUR MISSION To provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-style sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them the continuing opportunity to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community.

S p e c i a l O l y m p i c s Te n n e s s e e a t h l e te s co m p e te on the Vanderbilt Track in the 1980s

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MEET THE TEAM LOCAL AREA PROGRAMS + REGIONS Special Olympics Tennessee operates 36 active area programs organized into three regions across the state, led by dedicated volunteers.

WEST TENNESSEE

1 - Nashville 2 - Greater Memphis 3 - Upper East Region 4 - Southeast Region 5 - Greater Knoxville 6 - Maury County 7 - Upper West Region 8 - Big Hatchie Region 9 - Upper Cumberland Region 10 - Hamblen County

MIDDLE TENNESSEE

11 - Southwest Region 12 - Greater Clarksville 13 - Lower Cumberland Region 14 - Campbell, Morgan, & Scott Counties 15 - Blount County 16 - Rutherford County 17 - Cumberland Gap Region 18 - Dickson, Humphreys, & Houston Counties

EAST TENNESSEE

19 - Hickman County 20 - Dyer County 21 - Sumner & Macon County 22 - Fort Loudoun Region 23 - Gibson County 24 - Robertson County 25 - Lawrence County 26 - Williamson County 27 - Wilson County 28 - Marshall County

29 - Cheatham County 30 - Roane County 31 - Lewis, Perry, & Wayne 32 - Hawkins & Sullivan Counties 33 - Smoky Mountain Region 34 - Giles County 35 - Greene County 36 - Jefferson & Grainger Counties

STATE STAFF In addition to our local area program teams, we have statewide staff available to assist you with any questions: Volunteer recruitment, event support, and general volunteer inquiries: Ruth Boscaljon, rboscaljon@specialolympicstn.org Sports information, coaches education and trainings, Athlete eligibility, certifications and background checks: Joanne Drumright, jdrumright@specialolympicstn.org East Tennessee Regional Manager Ryan Forsyth, rforsyth@specialolympicstn.org Middle Tennessee Regional Manager Dana Allen, dallen@specialolympicstn.org West Tennessee Regional Manager Kelby McCaleb, kmccaleb@specialolympicstn.org

SOTN STATE OFFICE 5115 Maryland Way, Suite 300 Brentwood, TN, 37027 615.329.1375

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TERMINOLOGY GUIDE To help you navigate your volunteer role, here is a list of frequently used acronyms and terms you may come across.

Class A – Term used to describe the set of requirements that volunteers who are in some sort of specialty or supervisory role need to complete. Typically, this includes a background check and trainings. (e.g. Coach, Unified Partner, Mentor) Class B – Refers to the requirements for volunteers who do not have supervisory responsibilities (e.g., Event Day Volunteers, Administrative support).

GMT – Game Management Team; A group of volunteers that help support the organizing and overseeing all aspects of sporting competitions, including venue management, hospitality, volunteers and awards Healthy Athletes – A program that offers free health screenings and services to Special Olympics athletes and coaches.

HOD – Head of Delegation; a lead volunteer who manages all aspects of a team’s participation in a Special Olympics event, ensuring athlete safety, welfare, and overall experience IDD – Intellectual or Developmental Disability; a term used to describe a group of conditions that begin during the developmental period and affect a person’s intellectual functioning, learning, communication, mobility, or behavior.

LETR – Law Enforcement Torch Run; a global fundraiser and awareness campaign where law enforcement and Special Olympics athletes carry the “Flame of Hope” in events worldwide.

Local Area Program – One of the 36 counties/cities that participate in Special Olympics Tennessee programming. The Local Area Program is the direct service team for athletes and their family members.

Region – One of the 3 areas (East, Middle, West) within Tennessee that have a team of staff supporting our athletes and volunteers.

SO - Special Olympics SOTN – Special Olympics Tennessee SONA – Special Olympics North America SOI – Special Olympics International Unified – A group of people with and without intellectual disabilities playing, working, and growing together as equals, regardless of ability.

UCS – Unified Champion Schools; connects K–12 students with and without intellectual disabilities through inclusive sports, leadership, and school-wide activities.

YA – Young Athletes; a program for children ages 2 to 7 that introduces basic sports skills and promotes inclusion, confidence, and social development through fun, play-based activities.

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SUPPORTING SOTN ATHLETES Everyone brings different levels of experience working with Special Olympics athletes. The suggestions below are designed to help you feel more confident and comfortable in your interactions.

Respect and kindness: People with and without intellectual disabilities have much in common.

Always be sensitive to athletes’ dignity and respect cultural differences. Treat them as you would want to be treated.

Speak appropriately: Speak to athletes respectfully, matching their age and abilities. Always call them “athletes,” never “kids”. Address athletes themselves with questions or feedback, and include them in decisions whenever possible.

Be genuine: Use your normal voice, maintain eye contact and offer support without exaggeration or overpraising. Fair, honest and kind feedback helps athletes grow.

Respect comfort levels: Let athletes decide how they want to be recognized (high fives, handshakes, etc.) and feel free to set your own boundaries. Athletes enjoy engaging experiences while also learning appropriate behavior and good sportsmanship.

Ask before helping: Always check if an athlete wants assistance before stepping in.

Visually impaired athletes: Identify yourself by name, describe surroundings calmly, and offer your elbow for guidance, don’t grab their hand.

Hearing impaired athletes: Don’t shout or exaggerate speech. Get attention by name or gentle touch, keep face visible for lip reading.

Seek support when needed: If you notice a problem, don’t hesitate to ask coaches, lead volunteers, or staff for help.

“LET ME WIN. BUT IF I CANNOT WIN, LET ME BE BRAVE IN THE ATTEMPT.” - Special Olympics Athlete Oath

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GET INVOLVED SOTN VOLUNTEERS While SOTN athletes are the heart of our mission, our 6,000+ volunteers are the driving force behind it. Their time, passion, and commitment make inclusion possible and give them a front-row seat to some of the most inspiring moments in sports and beyond. Here are a few ways to get connected: Volunteer Portal : Our online volunteer management system makes it easy for SOTN volunteers to find upcoming events and register to get involved.

Volunteer Huddle : The go-to monthly email for news, helpful tips, and upcoming volunteer opportunities with SOTN. Volunteer Boot Camp: SOTN staff hosts a monthly virtual information sessions designed for new and prospective volunteers. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about our programs, get involved, and ask questions.

Reach Out With Questions: Ruth Boscaljon, Community Outreach + Volunteer Engagement rboscaljon@specialolympicstn.org, 847.809.6257

VOLUNTEER EXPECTATIONS Be Respectful + Positive Your attitude sets the tone! A kind, encouraging, and respectful approach creates a welcoming environment for athletes, families, and fellow volunteers.

Come Prepared + Be Punctual Preview all event-specific information in advance, including check-in procedures, parking instructions, and your assigned volunteer role. Athletes, coaches, and event staff rely on you, being on time helps everything run smoothly.

Communicate Clearly + Follow Directions If you’re ever unsure about something, just ask! Clear communication and a willingness to follow instructions help ensure events are safe, organized, and successful.

Prioritize Safety + Respect Boundaries Always follow safety protocols and respect personal space. Protecting the well-being of athletes and volunteers is a top priority. If something seems unsafe, speak up.

Be Flexible + Adaptable Things don’t always go as planned. Stay positive, open-minded, and ready to jump in wherever help is needed. Your adaptability keeps the energy high and the event running smoothly.

Represent Special Olympics Tennessee As a volunteer, you are an ambassador for SOTN. Whether on the field or in the community, carry yourself with integrity, kindness, and enthusiasm. Help us show the world what inclusion truly looks like.

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VOLUNTEER ROLES +REQUIREMENTS Every volunteer role is essential to our organization! Volunteers ages 16 and up may participate independently, while those ages 8 to 15 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or chaperone; children 7 and under are welcome to attend as cheerleaders with adult supervision but will not have assigned duties. Here’s a breakdown to help you understand the the different opportunities between event and specialized volunteers:

EVENT VOLUNTEERS This is a great fit for people who are new to Special Olympics or want to help out in a flexible way. These roles are classified as Class B and cannot supervise athletes or volunteers.

Event Day Volunteer Provides essential support for day of event operations, including setup and takedown, special events, and sports-related tasks.

Required to have completed a volunteer application and Class B Volunteer Registration form.

Healthy Athletes Volunteer Health care professionals or students who helps at one of our health screening events.

Assist with conducting basic health assessments, providing education, and promoting healthy habits.

Required to have completed a volunteer application, Class B volunteer registration form and sign the Hold Harmless agreement the day of the event.

Professional Skills Use skills in photography, graphic design, writing, public relations, marketing, and fundraising, ideal for those with professional experience in these fields.

Required to have a completed volunteer application and Class B Volunteer Registration form Administrative Support Support behind the scenes with tasks like data entry, paperwork, communications, event prep, and registrations, either in-office or remotely. In-office shifts will be during weekday business hours in the state office in Brentwood, TN. Required to have a completed volunteer application and Class B Volunteer Registration form.

Officials, Judges & Referees Prior experience as a player or referee in a specific sport. Recommended to have officials' certification from a National Governing Body (NGB) and/or an International Sport Federation (ISF) is highly recommended.

Required to have a completed volunteer application and Class B Volunteer Registration form.

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VOLUNTEER ROLES +REQUIREMENTS SPECIALIZED VOLUNTEERS Our Specialized Volunteers or Class A volunteers are individuals who have regular, close contact with Special Olympics athletes or take on leadership roles within the program.

Head Coach / Assistant Coach Creates, organizes and leads / assists a comprehensive sport training program for a team of athletes and volunteers.

Required to have completed volunteer application, Class A and Class B registration, background clearance, Protective Behaviors Training, Concussion Training and a Sports Certification. Volunteers in this role must be 18 or older *Assistant role is not required to have a Sports Certification, but encouraged!

Unified Partner Participate in regular practices and competitions along with SOTN athletes, which may include local, regional and state-level events.

Required to have completed volunteer application, Class A and Class B registration, background clearance, Protective Behaviors Training and Concussion Training.

Mentor Support Special Olympics athletes in their journey to become Athlete Leaders. Mentors are matched with an athlete and offer ongoing support, constructive feedback and encouragement.

Required to have completed volunteer application, Class A and Class B registration, background clearance, Protective Behaviors Training and Concussion Training. There is also an optional Athlete Mentor training.

Game Management Team (GMT) Oversee all aspects of sporting events including planning and execution, volunteer coordination, athlete support, venue setup and awards.

Required to have completed volunteer application, Class A and Class B registration, background clearance, Protective Behaviors Training and Concussion Training. Volunteers in this role must be 18 or older Venue Leader Oversee day-of operations for a specific sport location, coordinating volunteers, officials, and athletes to ensure smooth and efficient competition execution.

Required to have completed volunteer application, Class A and Class B registration, background clearance, Protective Behaviors Training and Concussion Training. Volunteers 9 in this role must be 18 or older

VOLUNTEER ROLES +REQUIREMENTS SPECIALIZED VOLUNTEERS CONT. Head of Delegation (HOD) Lead coordinator of a local area program during a competition event. HODs manage team housing, credentials, medicals/medication and more.

Required to have completed volunteer application, Class A and Class B registration, background clearance, Protective Behaviors Training and Concussion Training. Volunteers in this role must be 18 or older Local Area Director The role may vary, depending on the needs of the area and local program. Area Directors typically oversee the following areas: Sports Coordination - Support coaches with registration, training, and competitions; assist with training sites, equipment, and transportation.

Database Support – Help complete and manage required forms for athletes, volunteers, and staff.

Fundraising – Assist with planning and supporting fundraising events and initiatives.

Community Outreach – Promote Special Olympics locally, recruit volunteers, and represent at events.

Team Leadership – Collaborate with regional staff to ensure smooth team operations; share key info with athletes, families, and volunteers.

Required to have completed volunteer application, Class A and Class B registration, background clearance, Protective Behaviors Training and Concussion Training. Volunteers in this role must be 18 or older Team Volunteer / Chaperones Support a training site/team to cover the 1:4 ratio. This role can include providing general supervision and support to the sport team, as well as more direct, 1:1 support to individual athletes as needed. Team Volunteers are authorized to supervise athletes and travel with the team for competitions.

Required to have completed volunteer application, Class A and Class B registration, background clearance, Protective Behaviors Training and Concussion Training. Volunteers in this role must be 18 or older

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SOTN PROGRAMS SPORTS Special Olympics Tennessee offers competition in 16 sports statewide, supported by 1,200 coaches and 3,600 Unified partners. Over 18,000 SOTN athletes build skills, confidence, and inclusion through year-round local, regional, and state events. Here is an overview of the sports season ahead.

🍂 FALL SEASON ❄️ WINTER SEASON ☀️ SUMMER SEASON MONTHS

August - November

December - March

April - June

SPORTS

Bowling, Cornhole, Flag Football, Fitness, Golf + Soccer

Alpine Skiing, Basketball, Snowboarding + Speedskating

Athletics (Track + Field), Bocce, Pickleball, Powerlifting, Swimming + Volleyball

STATE EVENTS (LOCATIONS)

September - State Golf (Middle TN) October - State Fall Games (Middle TN)

January - State Winter Games (East TN) March - State Basketball (Middle TN)

May - State Summer Games (Middle TN)

HEALTHY ATHLETES Special Olympics is the world’s largest public health organization for individuals with intellectual disabilities, addressing critical health disparities through its Healthy Athletes program. In 2024, SOTN provided 27 free health screenings to 2,250 athletes, with 127 receiving necessary medical interventions.

Fit Feet

FUN Fitness

Healthy Hearing

MedFest

Opening Eyes

Special Smiles

Strong Minds

FITNESS + COMBINES In 2025, Train 4 Life, a 12-week wellness program for Special Olympics athletes 13+, is reaching 470 athletes across 18 states with support from 40 coaches. Through guided workouts, health assessments, and wellness education, it’s helping transform the lives of Special Olympics athletes.

Interested in learning more about an SOTN program?

Contact Ruth Boscaljon at rboscaljon@specialolympicstn.org

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SOTN PROGRAMS YOUNG ATHLETES + JUNIOR ATHLETES Our Young Athletes program introduces children as young as age 2, with and without intellectual or developmental disabilities, to sports and play that build motor skills and handeye coordination. Serving as a bridge to Special Olympics sports, the program engages 125 children across 10 schools and 8 annual events.

UNIFIED CHAMPION SCHOOLS Unified Champion Schools bring together K–12 students with and without intellectual disabilities through inclusive sports, youth leadership, and whole-school engagement.

The UCS program is engaged in 50 districts, 202 schools reached 172,471 students, including 2,150 Unified Sports athletes.

"Special Olympics athletes are the inspiration for all who believe in the power of the human spirit."

- Eunice Kennedy Shriver, founder of Special Olympics

ATHLETE LEADERSHIP Athlete Leadership empowers individuals with IDDs by providing meaningful opportunities to develop leadership skills, gain valuable experience, and demonstrate their abilities in roles of influence and responsibility.

Interested in learning more about an SOTN program?

Contact Ruth Boscaljon at rboscaljon@specialolympicstn.org

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SOTN PROGRAMS SPECIAL EVENTS + FUNDRAISERS Special Olympics Tennessee hosts a variety of events throughout the year to help fund free programs for more than 18,000 athletes, ages two and up. Explore meaningful opportunities to engage your friends, family, or colleagues in supporting inclusion across the state.

January/February - Polar Plunge (Statewide) A chilly but heartwarming fundraiser where brave participants jump, run, or tiptoe into icy waters, all to support and celebrate SOTN athletes.

March - Music City Blitz Invitational (Middle TN) In partnership with Nissan and the Tennessee Titans, this SOTN flag football tournament brings athletes and Unified partners together to compete on the main stage at Nissan Stadium.

May - VIP Reception at State Summer Games (Middle TN) This reception is an exclusive gathering offering the chance to connect with athletes, supporters, and community leaders prior to opening ceremonies.

June - Pulling For A Purpose Plane Pull and Run the Runway 5K (Middle TN) This event brings together law enforcement, community members, Unified Clubs, and SOTN supporters in a friendly competition to pull a plane the fastest, paired with a unique 5K race on the airport’s runway.

July/August - Music City Corporate Challenge (Middle TN) An Olympic-style event where Nashville-area companies compete in sport competitions to support and raise awareness for SOTN. September - Topgolf ProAm: Unified Fore Joy (Statewide) The Unified Fore Joy ProAm is a charity event at Topgolf in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga, supporting SOTN through team-based competition.

October - Wine & Dine (Statewide) Experience an unforgettable evening at Wine + Dine, featuring tasting stations from top local chefs, fine wines, a silent auction, and our signature Wine & Whiskey Pull.

Year-round - Law Enforcement Torch Run + Tip-A-Cops events (Statewide) Over 97,000 officers carry the “Flame of Hope” each year as part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run®, raising awareness and funds for SOTN.

Interested in learning more about an SOTN program?

Contact Ruth Boscaljon at rboscaljon@specialolympicstn.org

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COMPETITIONS Throughout the sports season, athletes have opportunities to challenge themselves through different levels of competition. These events foster physical fitness, showcase courage, and create moments of joy and achievement.

LEVELS OF COMPETITION Local/Invitationals: These competitions are organized by Local Area Directors and provide athletes with the opportunity to compete in a community-centered environment. Local teams come together for a full day of sports and fostering connections among athletes, coaches, families, and volunteers.

Regional: Events organized by Regional staff, with support from Local Area Directors and the State staff, may be single or multi-sport competitions and may serve as qualifiers for higherlevel events.

State Games: Statewide competitions that are the culminating event of the sport season.

Athletes must qualify in order to attend state games. Events are led by State staff and local Game Management Teams (GMT).

USA Games: Held every 4 years, USA games invites over 4,000 athletes from all 50 states to compete. For most sports, athletes must win a gold medal in their division at State Games in order to qualify for USA games. There is an application and selection process for USA games.

These slots are limited with SOTN takes a group of 110 individuals, including athletes, unified athletes, coaches and staff to each USA Games.

World Games: Every four years, Special Olympics athletes in the United States have the chance to represent our country at the World Games, the pinnacle of competition for Summer and Winter Games. This prestigious opportunity involves a competitive application and selection process, with Special Olympics Tennessee sending only 8–10 athletes to each event due to limited slots.

2034 USA GAMES IN NASHVILLE Nashville is set to host the largest inclusive sporting event in its history, the 2034 Special Olympics USA Games. In June of 2034, 4,000 athletes and coaches from all 50 states will compete in 18 sports, drawing over 125,000 spectators.

With world-class venues, dedicated volunteers, and a welcoming community, Nashville will celebrate the determination and talent of Special Olympics athletes, on the field and beyond. The Games are expected to bring an estimated $110 million in economic impact.

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RESOURCES FOR VOLUNTEERS VOLUNTEER PORTAL : Our online volunteer management system makes it easy for SOTN volunteers to find upcoming events and register to get involved. portals.specialolympics.org/ FIND SPECIAL OLYMPICS NEAR YOU : Tennessee has 36 volunteer-led area offices across three regions, supporting programs and services for over 18,000 Special Olympics athletes statewide. specialolympicstn.org/get-involved/find-special-olympics-near-you MEET THE TEAM : Meet the dedicated Special Olympics staff working to support athletes and programs across Tennessee. specialolympicstn.org/about/meet-our-team SPORTS + COACHING Sports Offered In Tennessee: specialolympicstn.org/sports Become A Coach: specialolympicstn.org/get-involved/become-a-coach Become A Unified Partner: specialolympicstn.org/get-involved/become-a-unified-partner Sport Rules + Guidelines: resources.specialolympics.org/sports-essentials/sports-andcoaching INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES (ID) Special Olympics International Resources: specialolympics.org/about/intellectualdisabilities?locale=en Become An Athlete: specialolympicstn.org/get-involved/become-an-athlete 2034 SPECIAL OLYMPICS USA GAMES : Nashville is ready to host the largest inclusive sports event in its history! specialolympicstn.org/bring-the-2030-usa-games-to-nashville WAYS TO GIVE : SOTN athletes train and compete at no cost, thanks to the generosity of donors, sponsors, and community supporters. Discover how you can make a difference: specialolympicstn.org/get-involved/ways-to-give QUESTIONS: Ruth Boscaljon, Community Outreach + Volunteer Engagment rboscaljon@specialolympicstn.org | (o) 615.329.1375, (m) 847.809.6257 5115 Maryland Way, Suite 300, Brentwood, TN, 37027

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