Why should I choose Special Olympics when there are so many other volunteer opportunities available? "I can't think of a better way to give back to your community than to volunteer for Special Olympics. I was lucky enough to spend the weekend coaching bocce, and it had to be one of the greatest times of my life. We had lots of laughs, some tears and experiences we will never forget. I have only been a volunteer for eight months, but have grown so much and spent time with many new friends. I look forward to the time each week I get to spend coaching. When all is said and done, I am so grateful for the opportunity I was given."           — Patti Bassett, volunteer with Special Olympics Northern California (USA) Above, Nicole D'Andrea works with Anthony Bozzuto on his aquatics techniques."The Special Olympics athletes and other people I have met along the way have shaped my life in such a dramatic way," says D'Andrea. "I am forever changed by them...They make me feel good about myself and make me want to coach, in addition to having all the fun." D'Andrea says she'll always work with Special Olympics athletes as a volunteer. "I found strength in them that I could not discover in anyone else. As I helped them, they changed me." [Meet Nicole D'Andrea] Patti Basset isn't the only one who feels that way. The more than 700,000 volunteers who make Special Olympics possible all have had similar experiences. When Special Olympics Global Messenger Álvaro Miranda (Special Olympics Peru) asked five volunteers what they got out of volunteering for Special Olympics, here's what they had to say: Spiritual growth because you feel very good when you help people that need you. Satisfaction when you see a smile because of something you have done. Power in your own life because athletes show you that nothing is impossible. The satisfaction of knowing that what you do counts. Pride in knowing that you are contributing to the happiness and achievements of the athletes. If you're ready to volunteer for Special Olympics, contact your local Program to find out how you can help.      Return to the "Why Volunteer?" main page