Volunteers
Athletes are why we exist. Volunteers are how we exist. Some 300 volunteer-coaches will accompany our athletes and be with them for the duration of this year’s Summer Games two-day competition. Another 1,200 individuals will come out to help at one of the four venues hosting a competition.
While we are so grateful for our volunteers and coaches help during Summer Games, we want to recognize the 9,000 people in Northern California who have discovered the rewards of working with our Special Olympics athletes throughout the year. They come from all walks of life. Some have been around for years, coaching our athletes and forming deep friendships. Others come out to help at a competition as time and schedule permits. No matter what capacity they serve, volunteers are the backbone of our program.
If you are interested in volunteering at Summer Games, please contact Wendy Bojin-Liston, Volunteer Coordinator, for available opportunities.
If you have already been given a volunteer assignment or you are volunteering with a group, below you will find important information to ensure you are prepared and have a rewarding experience.
Volunteer Check-in
- Please be on time for your shift. Competition starts promptly.
- Check in with the volunteer captain at the Volunteer Check-in Booth. There will be a volunteer check-in at each venue. The venues are as follows:
Aquatics - Schaal Aquatics Center
Track & Field - Toomey Field
Tennis - Marya Welch Tennis Center
Bocce - TBD
Meals (check-in location to be determined)
Olympic Village - Freeborn Hall
Opening Ceremonies - Aggie Stadium
- If you have completed your assignment and still have time to volunteer, please feel free to check with the venue director or volunteer captain before leaving the venue. We may have another volunteer assignment for you.
- If you have submitted your "day-of" volunteer consent/registration form, please be prepared to turn one in at Volunteer Registration. If you have completed the form prior to check in, please arrive 5-10 minutes prior to your shift. Volunteer Form.
- Volunteer ages 17 or under must have a parent or legal guardian sign the "day-of" consent/registration form to perform their volunteer assignment.
- Volunteers must be 12 years old. Youth ages 12-15 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
- Please take time to understand the specific job you have been assigned and the time that will be required.
- Always listen to the orientation and instructions from the volunteer captain or the venue director. Please ask questions if you don’t understand something!
What to Expect
Expect that you are going to meet some amazing Special Olympics athletes during the course of your volunteer assignment. You will be inspired by their dedication and see first hand what the human spirit can achieve. As a volunteer, we ask that you provide for the general welfare, health and safety of all Special Olympics athletes during the course of any assignment duties.
Please follow these rules:
- The safety and well-being of our athletes is our priority. If you are faced with a situation that you are not sure how to handle, please contact the venue director or other key volunteers who will be on site. First aid stations and first aid personnel will be stationed at every venue.
- Avoid profane or abusive language and disruptive behavior.
- Abstain from drinking alcohol and smoking when for the duration of the competition.
- Know and respect the athletes’ abilities and limitations.
- Encourage each athlete using appropriate sports reinforcement (e.g. hugs for children, handshakes or a pat on the back for adults).
- Cheer on the athletes.
- Flexibility is very important. There may be some down time during your assignment but be patient.
Most importantly, enjoy yourself – and smile! Be prepared to work hard but also to enjoy the day. You will never forget your experience being a Special Olympics volunteer.
Dress Code
- Closed shoes for your safety – except at the pool where you should wear non-slip water shoes.
- Bring sun screen, hat, light clothing – it will be hot.
- Wear your volunteer vest and credential at all times. If you are working a shift during the lunch hours, you will be provided a lunch and you will need your credential to receive lunch.
- Return your volunteer vest to the volunteer check-in desk before you leave.
- We will provide you with lunch and water. You are welcome to bring other snacks or beverages if you wish.
- Remember, it probably will be HOT! Water will be available to you but feel free to bring your own beverages or snacks.
Parking
Parking at UC Davis will be free for all volunteers on Saturday and Sunday. On Friday evening volunteers for Opening Ceremonies can park free after 5 p.m.
If going to the aquatics venue or Aggie Stadium. Take Hutchinson Road exit and turn right on Hutchinson Road. Turn right on Health Sciences Drive. Park in Visitor Parking Lot 56.
If going to the track & field, tennis venues or Olympic Village or Lunch locations: Take Interstate 80 to Hwy 113 north toward Woodland. Take Russell Boulevard exit and turn right onto Russell Boulevard. Right on Howard Way. Left into North Entry Parking Structure.
Bocce Venue
The Martinez Waterfront Park is located on Joe DiMaggio Drive in Martinez, CA. Take 680 North or South to Highway 4 West (John Muir Parkway). Go North on Alhambra for almost two miles to Escobar Street. Take a right on Escobar. Left on Ferry Street. Follow Ferry Street into the park.
There is plenty of parking. Look for the first parking lots on your left, as they are closest to the bocce courts.
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