Local Program Volunteers

Local Program Volunteers (LPV) are volunteers that work directly with our Local Programs and directly with our athletes. These volunteers help fill crucial roles in our Local Programs such as coaching or providing athlete support at events. All volunteers who would like to help out with a Local Program must become a certified LPV before participating with the Local Program.

Adult Local Program Volunteer certification requires the submission of an Adult LPV and Unified Partner Application form allowing SONH to obtain background information, as well as the completion of an online training session covering Protective Behaviors.

Youth Local Program volunteer certification requires the submission of a Youth LPV and Unified Partner Application form and the completion of an online training session covering Protective Behaviors if the volunteer is 16 years or older.

Unified Partners
Another role that a Local Program Volunteer can play is as a Unified Partner. Special Olympics Unified Sports is an initiative that combines an approximately equal number of Special Olympics athletes and athletes without intellectual disabilities (Unified Partners) on sports teams for training and competition.

A partner over the age of 18 must fill out an Adult LPV and Unified Partner Application form and complete the Protective Behaviors Training.

A partner under the age of 18 must fill out a Youth LPV and Unified Partner Application form, and those volunteers 16 and older must complete the Protective Behaviors Training.

To get involved with SONH as a Local Program Volunteer/Unified Partner, please contact our Volunteer, Training and Outreach Manager either by email at AshleyH@sonh.org or by phone at (603) 624-1250.