We are One Year Out from the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games! Get ready to cheer like a champion!

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Leadership Volunteers

Take on extra training and responsibilities now to help ensure a seamless experience at the Games!

Lead, Inspire, Empower
US Bank Volunteer Sponsor

We are looking for 1,500 purpose-driven, skilled and dependable leaders to help guide more than 20,000 volunteers and bring the 2026 USA Games to life. Leadership volunteers are the backbone of our team. They are experienced organizers, natural motivators, and trusted partners who will help plan, manage, and support essential functions from now through the end of the Games in June 2026. But this isn’t just about what you give. It is also about what you gain.

As a leadership volunteer, you will have the opportunity to lead with purpose, grow in your career, and be a part of something extraordinary. You will sharpen your skills, expand your network, and play a key role in creating a once in a lifetime experience for thousands of athletes, families, and fans from across the country. Whether your strengths lie in logistics, people management, hospitality, medicine, sports coordinations, or beyond, there’s a place for you to lead and thrive.

To recognize your impact, we are proud to offer LinkedIn recommendations and official leadership volunteer certificates upon request, to help you showcase your experience and leadership beyond the Games. Explore the leadership functions below to find your fit.

If you are ready to step up, fill out an interest form here. Our team will review and get back to you within 2-3 weeks. Join us in shaping an unforgettable experience for thousands of athletes, families, and fans across the nation. Please note that if visiting from out of state/country, transportation and lodging are the responsibility of the volunteer.

What’s the Difference?

Leadership volunteers are different from general “day-of” volunteers in several key aspects.

Leadership Volunteers
  • Commitment Length:
    Long-term: Involved from selection through June 2026; monthly check-ins, team meetings, and event week shifts
  • Role Type:
    Strategic and operational leadership across teams or functions
  • Skills & Experience:
    Prior leadership, management, or professional experience strongly preferred
  • Training & Engagement:
    Ongoing engagement, multiple trainings, early involvement in planning and coordination
  • Responsibilities:
    Oversee volunteer teams, manage logistics, lead communication, solve problems
  • Ideal For:
    Individuals looking to lead, contribute at a strategic level, and be part of the full journey
Day-Of Volunteers
  • Commitment Length:
    Short-term: Serve during the week of the Games; 4 to 8 hour shifts during Games week (June 20–26, 2026)
  • Role Type:
    Event support roles like greeting, check-in, wayfinding, etc.
  • Skills & Experience:
    No prior experience needed
  • Training & Engagement:
    One-time orientation or shift-specific training
  • Responsibilities:
    Carry out assigned tasks on event day with support from leaders
  • Ideal For:
    Individuals who want to help out, cheer on, and be part of the action for a day or two
Where Do You Want to Lead?
Every role plays a part in delivering an unforgettable Games. Discover where your leadership can make the biggest impact, and click below to fill out a Leadership Volunteer Interest Form. Please note that if visiting from out of state/country, transportation and lodging are the responsibility of the volunteer.
Sports
Lead the planning and delivery of competitions across 16 sports by leading volunteer teams and ensuring smooth execution of everything from scorekeeping and athlete support to venue flow and equipment needs. This is a great fit for organized sports savvy leaders who thrive in dynamic, fast paced environments.
Special Events
Help create unforgettable moments beyond the competitions–from the opening ceremony to family nights, receptions, fan zones, and airport arrivals! You guide teams managing experience, and atmosphere to ensure every special moment is well-executed and memorable.
Operations
Be a part of the engine that keeps the Games moving, Operation leaders oversee logistics, safety and security, transportation, and overall venue coordination. Ideal for detail-oriented problem-solvers who can manage complexity under pressure.
Medical
Play a crucial role in athlete care and safety by leading teams in medical operations, EMS, and more. These roles are ideal for professionals or students in health fields who want to contribute their expertise to athlete well being.
Hospitality
Lead efforts that ensure athletes, volunteers, and delegates are welcomed, fed, and cared for from hotel check-ins to dining hall oversight and catering logistics. This is perfect for those who are service-minded, flexible, and people-focused.
Marketing & Communications
Join our media team and help with content documentation, ambassador relations, guest services, and delegations oversight, as well as helping to recruit and train 20,000 volunteers.
Technology
Support the technical side of the Games including specialized systems, venue IT support, and more. These roles are ideal for tech-savvy leaders with a knack for systems, troubleshooting, and real-time communication.
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