Volunteer
Join us in creating an uplifting and unforgettable event that champions a more inclusive world!
If you’re enthusiastic, reliable, positive, compassionate, and a team player, the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games needs your help in producing one of the largest sporting events of the year.
Join us for the experience of a lifetime from June 20th to June 26th, 2026. We need thousands of passionate volunteers to donate service hours and make these Games the best yet. Be part of something extraordinary!
Volunteer registration will open in January 2026, but in the meantime, sign up for our newsletter to receive all 2026 USA Games updates, including everything related to volunteers!
- Volunteers aged 15 years or older can volunteer on their own
- Volunteers aged 12-14 must be accompanied by a chaperone
- Your volunteer hours will be tracked and you will receive a certificate upon completion, if requested
- Service hours vary by role
- Volunteers need to be able to speak English fluently
- In order to volunteer, applicants must register and train according to 2026 USA Games application criteria
Your volunteer experience will create a lifelong, memorable experience for athletes, families, fans, partners, and YOU! Volunteers are the backbone of the USA Games, and your efforts will contribute directly to the success of an event that champions inclusivity, resilience, and the unbreakable human spirit.
Sports
Oversee general competition support, including scorekeeping, timekeeping, team and athlete support, venue support, access support, and more.
Full list of sports includes: Athletics, Basketball, Bocce, Bowling, Competitive Cheer, Cornhole, Flag Football, Golf, Gymnastics, Pickleball, Powerlifting, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, and Volleyball.
Click here for more information about each sport.
Special Events
Assist with areas in the Games not related to competition. This includes awards operations and production, Opening and Closing Ceremonies, Athlete Welcome, Fan Zone, Healthy Athletes Experience, and more.
Click here for more information about special events programming.
Operations
Logistics for the Games, including emergency management, IT, security and safety, bus captains, and more.
Marketing/Development
Join our media team and help with social media, copywriting/editing, graphic design, content documentation, video production, partner activation, ambassador relations, and more.
Hospitality
Support various hospitality areas, catering for athletes, Honored Guests, and Partners at sports venues, and other event locations.
Volunteer Services
Help to support 10,000 volunteers with recruitment, training, hospitality and engagement events and activities.
What are the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games?
The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games will be held June 20-26, 2026 at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus, as well as the National Sports Center in Blaine, MN. More than 3,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities from all 50 states will compete for seven days in 16 sports. For more information about this weeklong celebration, click here.
I am a person with a disability. Can I also become a volunteer?
Yes, definitely. It is important for us that everybody can participate in our volunteer program. Please indicate on your volunteer application if this applies to you, and if you would like to register individually or as a member of a Tandem Team. A Tandem Team consists of two volunteers, one with and one without disabilities. The team will perform all tasks together.
I have never volunteered before. Can I apply anyway?
Yes! We are grateful for every helping hand, whether you are a first-timer or a “professional” volunteer. You’ll receive training and information to help you to perform your tasks well and have a great Games experience.
Do I have to live in Minnesota to volunteer?
Applications are open to people from all over the United States. Everyone who is interested in volunteering can apply.
Will there be any accommodation and/or travel arrangements for volunteers?
All volunteers are responsible for arranging and paying for any accommodations and/or travel they may require prior to, and during, Games week.
When can I apply to become a volunteer?
Volunteer applications will open to the public in January 2026.
Is there a deadline to apply?
We will begin accepting volunteer applications in January 2026. Be sure to apply early, as positions will fill up quickly!
Can I apply if I am under the age of 15?
Yes, 12-14 year old volunteers are welcome when volunteering with a chaperone/parent/guardian that is 18 or older.
How long are volunteers expected to work at a time?
Hours can vary in length depending on your area or role. The hours will clearly be stated in the job descriptions during registration.
Can I get time off from my employer to participate as a volunteer?
If requested, we will provide you with a cover letter for special leave to present to your employer. We recommend that you speak to your employer about this topic as soon as possible. Please note that the entitlement to special leave varies from state to state.
How many days do I need to be available?
Volunteer time commitments vary depending on the role. We offer a variety of time slots and encourage you to sign up for as many as your schedule allows.
I prefer to volunteer in the afternoon. Will there be a chance to choose?
The volunteer registration system allows you to directly sign up for the time slot that works for you!
What kind of training will volunteers get prior to the Games?
To get you prepared for the Games, we will hold mandatory training sessions for all volunteers. Everybody must complete the following training:
- General Training – General information about Special Olympics, the 2026 USA Games, and volunteering at the Games.
- Diversity and Inclusion Training – Training in cultural awareness and interacting with people with intellectual disabilities.
- Protective Behaviors Training – Education to prevent physical, emotional, and sexual abuse and general mistreatment of people with intellectual disabilities.
- Role-Specific Training – Information about specific tasks you will perform in your area and role.
Do I have to be in Minnesota for the training?
Most training will be held online. However, some roles will require you to be onsite for venue/sports/event training.
What languages are the trainings offered?
Both the online and in-person training sessions will be held in English.
How much time will the training sessions take?
Each training session is currently scheduled for 60 minutes. The total amount of training is therefore about 3-4 hours.
What is a Leadership Volunteer?
Leadership Volunteers act as the link between the different work areas, the volunteer team, and the volunteers. They act as responsible staff members in several venue-based roles, in addition to having supervisory duties.
I have a disability. Can I volunteer together with somebody I feel comfortable with?
Yes, you can. During the Games we will have the option to volunteer individually or as a member of a Tandem Team. A Tandem Team consists of two volunteers, one with and one without disabilities. The team will perform all tasks together.
I have a medical background. How can I use my skills at the USA Games?
Yes, there are a variety of roles that are suited to those with medical experience and credentials. These roles may include supporting athletes on the field of play to helping administer screenings for Healthy Athletes.
Healthy Athletes is a Special Olympics program that supports athletes and provides free professional health screenings and education.
My question was not answered. How can I get in contact with you?
Please get in touch with us via email at: volunteers@2026usagames.org
