Coaches are role models and character builders. They help athletes realize their worth, ability, courage and their capacity to grow and improve.
Special Olympics is a global movement of people creating a new world of inclusion and community. Here in Minnesota, we serve thousands of individuals with intellectual disabilities every year through sports training and competition. Through sports, our athletes find belonging, empowerment, friendship and so much more.
Coaches and team assistants play a crucial role in the Special Olympics movement. The ideal coach isn’t necessarily an all-star athlete or sport guru. In fact, the requirements to be a Special Olympics coach are simple: have a big heart and enjoy having a good time. There is a great network of people at Special Olympics Minnesota who will help you along the way.
Sports & competitions
Certification
- All coaches and Unified partners who work with athletes need to be Level 1 certified.
- Level 1 certified coaches can coach any sport within SOMN, just as Unified partners can participate in any sport within SOMN that offers Unified.
- Level 1 certification and passed background checks are valid for 3 years.
- Before beginning your training, please note the different processes between the two trainings available below.
- NOTE: If you only need an updated Background Check, you do not need to fill out the entire Level 1 training. Please just email [email protected] and request a background check link!
