Coaches play a unique and indispensable role in Special Olympics around the world. Coaches provide the sports skills and spirit that define a true athlete. In addition, coaches are role models and character builders. Coaches give Special Olympics athletes the most immediate awareness of their own worth, ability, courage and capacity to grow and improve.

• Obtain necessary facilities and equipment for training.
  
  
• Help to recruit athletes and assistant coaches.
  
  
• Assist athletes in learning sports skills and applying them in competitions.
  
  
• Encourage confidence and self-esteem through sport.
  
  
• Conduct demonstrations in the community.
  
  
• Help start Partners Clubs of peer coaches with their athletes.
  
  
• Start Unified Sports® teams. Unified sports teams are made up of people with and without intellectual disabilities who train and compete together.
  
  
• Special Olympics coaches often find that the personal rewards received are equal to or even outweigh the benefits they offer the athletes. Special Olympics coaches have a unique opportunity to work with athletes in competitive situations to assist in their training for life.

To learn more about coaching in your area, please contact your local Area Director by clicking on the "area information" tab above.