Special Olympics knows how to provide meaningful volunteer opportunities. As a Special Olympics volunteer, you can meet people, share ideas, master skills and make a difference. Volunteer Sheena Hickey (left) mans a registration table as host families and the families of Special Olympic athletes arrive prior to the start of the 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games. [Photograph by Frank Miller] Special Olympics is committed to supporting its volunteers and providing the means for everyone who offers his or her assistance to make the most of the experience for the benefit of both the athletes and the volunteer. All volunteers should receive an orientation and training before participating, as well as assistance and, if needed, supervision during the event. The extent of the orientation and training depends on the volunteer opportunity. Special Olympics Protective Behaviors training material, a critical tool for protecting Special Olympics athletes from sexual, physical, and emotional abuse, is required of all U.S. Class A Volunteers and staff members. If you would like to know more the orientation process, contact your local Special Olympics Program or review the Volunteer General Orientation Handbook (May 2004, Adobe PDF, 698K), which is used by many Programs during volunteer training. If you're ready to volunteer for Special Olympics, contact your local Program to find out how you can help.